Spring
1992
Our Training Ground
Charles Haun
The wilderness is a place of training for conquest. It is
not intended to be an end, rather the wilderness is a means
to an end.
In the wilderness of Sin there were difficulties and pressures
due to circumstances and Egyptian blood, called the mixed
multitude. "And a mixed multitude went up also with them"
Exodus 12:38. At times, there was no water. At other times,
there was bitter water. The children of Israel were allowed
to experience all of these pressures, sufferings, afflictions,
and trials, because these were God's training tools.
These experiences of the Israelites are intended to become
our lessons. "Take, my brethren, the prophets, (that
is, consider them) who have spoken in the name of the Lord,
for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."
James 5:10. Watch these for an example. As we look at those
who have passed on before us, we see them in the light of
the experiences into which God brought them. Some, we can
view through many years, and others, to the end of their lives.
We will notice that some failed, while others succeeded. Hopefully,
through their experiences, we will see and understand certain
vital spiritual lessons that God is attempting to teach us
in similar circumstances. The results of their successful
lives should become our encouragement.
"Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have
heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of
the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and
is merciful" James 5:11 (NAS). As we look upon the lives
of those who are set before us in Scripture, we can view their
experiences, and at times, even the results. We have the privilege
of watching individuals and groups in the Bible as they are
brought through their difficulties and pressures. We can see
who succeeded and who failed, and often, the reason why.
The ones who go through the testings victoriously, patiently
enduring, plodding on, we count blessed. As we look and learn,
continuing to lean on the Lord, we too become blessed ones.