Nobody in their right mind would ask for a “hard battle” just to prove he could take it and win. I submit that nearly all men would want a victory by doing nothing. But then, in the process or zeal to avoid conflict and pain we inadvertently surrender many benefits that would accrue to us if we had to go through a “hard battle.” But, what do we know?!!!
Let’s define ourselves as average (soldiers) body builders just living our lives. God says to himself, “I need to win this battle and I need tough soldiers (body builders) to do it.” God already knows how hard the battle is going to be and he also knows who his toughest soldiers (body builders) are and he has a pretty good idea of their abilities and their ability to suffer and win. But, God needs to develop more tough soldiers. So, he calls many younger and less experienced soldiers (body builders) to the task. In order for these young soldiers (body builders) to emerge as tough soldiers they have to be thrown into the harshest of battles to develop their toughest qualities.
Without spending any more time on this concept, suffice it to be said that, Tough soldiers (body builders) are forged in the fires of trials and tough battles. We who train know that there is no shortcut to winning. We also know that the toughness required is attained by exposing ourselves, mentally, physically, and emotionally to the process. We have to have the attitude that we have been chosen to be tried and perfected by constant trial. There just is no other way to do it.
The analogy doesn’t quite work but the concept of being toughened by tough trials is sound. I would suggest that we “willingly” submit ourselves to the tough task that changes us into WARRIORS that can win because we “willingly” paid the price.
Remember! Tough Battles Produce Tough Soldiers—Accept it and do it!
Six Pack and Senior 