18May16

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Yesterday I got the chance to go over to Casey and visit our Soldiers who are competing in the Expert Infantryman's Badge (EIB). This is a grueling test of everything that they have learned over the course of their Army careers and, if passed, sets them apart from their peers as the best the Army has to offer in the infantry. Over the course of two weeks the Soldiers go through a rigorous train up prior to the actual intense testing process. They have to be perfect, precise, and fast in so many areas of combat technique and lifesaving skills. They live in bays without comforts, they sit in the mud, they run until they are exhausted. Their day starts before the sun goes up and ends after it is down... and then they start to study for the next day. Who would volunteer for such a thing? Someone who knows the value of testing.

Testing allows us to see who were are through the toughest of circumstances. Testing shows us where we are weak and need to be made stronger. Testing may seem to break us down but, it also builds us up when we conquer. A test is not something to shy away from. It is not something to be discouraged by. It is an opportunity to show who you are capable of being and what God is capable of doing through you! Do not back down. Do not avoid. Do not be afraid. Conquer. Succeed. Win. God is with you.