Lesson 16. The Beginning of Trials

Let us imagine the following scene. I have decided to take up Greco-Roman wrestling—not merely to attend training sessions at a local club, but with the intention of becoming the champion of every possible championship and the Olympic Games. Does this sound amusing? Perhaps to you, but not to me. I have a goal. I have set it and decided to attain it. I prepared a training plan, found the best coach, who had previously trained participants for the Olympic Games, agreed upon payment for his services, learned about upcoming championships, and submitted applications to participate. Then I began preparing for the competitions.

I made it clear to my coach that my intentions were serious, and together we prepared a training plan.

The coach examined my physical build and took me to a clinic, where various blood tests and every kind of other test were performed. He tested my strength and endurance, after which he established a daily routine and diet for me and assigned my first training sessions.

After the first lessons, I was somewhat disappointed. My coach told me about the structure and laws of my body, the functioning of the muscles and heart, their interaction with the entire body, the dangers of excessive strain, and much more. He made me write down these lessons and reflect upon the new knowledge I had received. Between the theoretical lessons, my instructor held short training sessions with light physical exertion.

I thought he would entrust me with exercise machines set to their maximum levels and that I would train upon them to exhaustion day and night. Instead, the coach taught me to rest properly, devote time to spiritual values, eat correctly, abstain from harmful things, be temperate in beneficial things, avoid stress, drink enough pure water, spend more time in sunlight, live and work in fresh air, and attend the training sessions he conducted.

I began to notice that the strain upon my muscles increased with every training session and that my arms and legs hurt. After each session I felt completely exhausted, and sometimes I wanted to run away from it all.

Then the day came when my coach brought in an opponent and led us onto the mat. He briefly explained the rules of wrestling and set the time. With the arrogance of a future champion, I looked at my young partner and felt sorry for him. But when I entered the contest with him at the signal, to my surprise I quickly found myself pinned down. This greatly upset me. I gathered all my strength, yet when the next bout began, my young friend easily threw me down and won. My heart was broken. All my dreams and plans collapsed in a single moment. I sat there devastated, not knowing what to do.

My coach sat beside me, placed his hand upon my shoulder, and calmly explained that my defeat had been predictable and natural because I had wrestled against the city champion. My instructor assured me that the process had only begun and that I should not lose heart at the beginning of the journey. What followed would be even more interesting and difficult. Thus began days of endless training and instruction.

At any time, I could stop training and leave; the door was always open. But I had chosen the goal and continued toward it.

My coach explained the rules of wrestling to me in detail, polished various movements and holds, paired me with other students, and, while offering me a choice of combat tactics, made me do many things I did not want to do. I began to understand the science of wrestling, its subtleties and distinctive qualities. I understood that I was not yet ready for championships, but I knew that I would have to participate in them. During the training process, I understood the importance of self-discipline and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. I was taught not to become involved in any conflicts and to avoid unnecessary confrontations. I knew where the local hooligans gathered, but I deliberately avoided those places.

Time passed, and I learned a great deal. I saw the close connection between my spirit, soul, and body. I began to understand that in every battle, the interaction of all my strength, experience, and knowledge is important. The tactics of combat became clear to me, enabling me to anticipate my opponent’s actions and meet them with my ability to resist. Knowledge of special holds and combat techniques helped me wrestle successfully and win victories. But I was no longer proud, because I understood that my arrogance would become a trap for me, since my opponents were stronger than I. My coach always came to my aid and told me what to do, thereby placing his knowledge within my mind.

Ahead of me were the Olympic Games, which no longer seemed so simple and desirable, because I understood that the best of the best participated in them and that the prize went to only one.

In using this illustration, friends, I am not calling you to take up professional sports. I am seeking to draw clear parallels between our principles and laws and those of the world of sports. We are studying in the School of Love, where we encounter experienced opponents who are ready to enter into battle with us and overcome us. Yet they desire not merely to defeat us, but to steal, kill, destroy, disappoint us, and ruin our lives. Our enemy makes no concessions and does not yield in battle. He possesses centuries of experience in battles and victories. And he wants our souls.

But our Coach is Jesus. He has not lost a single battle or suffered a single defeat. He knows the enemy by sight, knows all his techniques, and teaches us to fight according to His rules. During training, Jesus allows me to fall and lose in order to show me my weak points and cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness. He explains the theory to me and accompanies me into practical training. Jesus continually reminds me of the rules of combat and the laws of the victor. He endows me with His love so that in its light I may, whenever possible, avoid the places where hooligans gather and not enter into unnecessary conflicts. Ahead of me are the contest involving the three angels and the apocalyptic Olympic Games, whose beginning will be announced by a loud cry and the long-awaited law concerning special worship of the prince of this world.

For now, my Teacher invites me to training. He explains the relationship between His spirit and mine, my soul, and my body; teaches me the mysteries of love and its way of fighting; prepares me for victory; and prepares a place for me in the house of His Father—our Father. Jesus will even grant the overcomers a place upon His throne.

Until the final battle begins, Jesus teaches me and continually comes to sup with me so that He may eat delicious and beneficial food with me. We partake of it together—I with Him, and He with me.

Then He takes me by the hand and leads me into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, without leaving me without His protection.

1. Please read 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and Matthew 10:24 in the light of this lesson.

2. What did you understand from this lesson?

3. What benefit did you personally receive from what you read?

4. Do you have a Teacher of love Whose example you can follow?

5. What should you do when you lack the strength to become strong?

6. Is it worthwhile to begin studying in this School and continue until you learn love?

7. Do you think you will receive from God what you came to this School to learn?