God has a divine purpose for those He calls, but before they walk fully in that calling, He takes them through a season (or often, many seasons) of training, testing, and refining. This training is meant to equip, humble, and strengthen them for the work He has prepared.
1. The Purpose of God’s Training
God trains His chosen ones for three main reasons:
- To Shape Their Character – God is more interested in who we are than in what we do. Before He gives great responsibility, He develops humility, obedience, and integrity.
- To Build Their Faith and Dependence on Him – Training seasons often involve trials that force us to rely on God rather than ourselves.
- To Equip Them for the Mission – Those who are called must be prepared. Training includes spiritual discipline, wisdom, and endurance.
Hebrews 12:6 (KJV):
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
Discipline (training) is a sign of God’s love and fatherhood. He refines those He calls because He sees the greater purpose ahead.
2. Biblical Examples of God’s Training
1. Moses – Training in the Wilderness
- Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace but was not ready to lead until he spent 40 years in the wilderness tending sheep.
- This season humbled him, taught him patience, and prepared him for God’s call.
- Lesson: Sometimes, God's training involves isolation and waiting.
Exodus 3:12 (KJV):
"Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain."
2. Joseph – Training Through Trials
- Joseph received a vision from God but was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned.
- His suffering built endurance, wisdom, and leadership skills.
- Lesson: God's training often includes suffering, but He works all things for good.
Genesis 50:20 (KJV):
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
3. David – Training Through Small Beginnings
- Before becoming king, David was a shepherd, overlooked by his family.
- He fought private battles (lions and bears) before he faced public battles (Goliath).
- Lesson: Faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater things.
1 Samuel 17:37 (KJV):
"David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine."
4. Paul – Training in Isolation and Study
- After his dramatic conversion, Paul did not start preaching immediately. He spent years in Arabia studying, praying, and being taught by God.
- Lesson: Deep understanding of God’s Word and time in His presence are essential for ministry.
Galatians 1:11-12 (KJV):
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
3. How God Trains His Chosen Ones Today
1. Through Trials and Testing
God allows challenges to strengthen our faith and endurance.
- James 1:2-3 (KJV): “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
2. Through His Word
The Bible is our training manual for life and godliness.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
3. Through Waiting Seasons
God often teaches patience before He fulfills His promises.
- Isaiah 40:31 (KJV): “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”
4. Through Spiritual Warfare
Just as soldiers undergo intense training, believers must learn to fight spiritually through prayer and fasting.
- Ephesians 6:12 (KJV): “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
5. Through Serving in Humility
Before God exalts someone, He first humbles them through serving in small ways.
- Luke 16:10 (KJV): “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
4. Signs That You Are in God’s Training Process
- You feel isolated or forgotten – Like Moses, Joseph, or Paul, God often removes distractions to train you.
- You are facing intense trials – Challenges are classrooms for growth.
- You feel stretched beyond your comfort zone – God calls His people to greater faith.
- You are learning patience – God’s timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed.
- You have a deeper hunger for God’s Word – Training comes through spiritual discipline.
5. Encouragement for Those in Training
If you feel like you are in a difficult season of waiting, suffering, or refining, be encouraged! God is preparing you for something greater.
Romans 8:28 (KJV):
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
No season of training is wasted. Trust the process, remain faithful, and know that God is working in you.
Closing Prayer
Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for choosing us and training us for Your purpose. Though the refining process is difficult, we trust that You are shaping us into vessels for Your glory. Give us strength in trials, patience in waiting, and faith to endure. As You said in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Strengthen us, Lord, and prepare us for the calling You have placed on our lives. In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment