Mark Carey Writes:
Trained or Untrained?
Psalm 144 opens with these bold words:
“Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge.”
At first, it sounds like preparation for conquest. But looking closer - this isn’t about dominating others. The Psalmist is saying that God Himself subdues and trains us. Not to crush us, but to shape us, protect us, and equip us for life in a hostile world.
He is our Rock, our Fortress, our Deliverer, our Shield, our Refuge. In Him, we find strength and safety. And yet, He also trains us - giving both strength (endurance to keep going) and skill (wisdom to live faithfully).
The question is simple: Are you trained or untrained?
In the film Man on Fire, there’s a line:
“There is no such thing as tough. There is trained and untrained. Now which are you?”
The world says, toughen up. The gospel says, soften up — surrender, open up, and let God train you.
Here are three ways I have found God training me as a disciple of Jesus – and I think they apply to all of us:
1. Simplicity
A life uncluttered and free, able to respond to God quickly. Training in simplicity means loosening our grip on possessions, distractions, and busyness so we can run the race marked out for us.
2. Purity
Purity isn’t about rules but about worship - who or what captures your heart? Training in purity means choosing Jesus above every idol of money, success, or approval. It’s about undivided devotion.
3. Accountability
Discipleship is not a solo sport. God trains us through relationships — encouragement, challenge, and mutual investment. Who have you invited to walk with you and are you open to their voice?
God is not looking for people who are simply “tough.” He is raising up those who are trained:
Trained in simplicity — free to follow Him.
Trained in purity — living for Him alone.
Trained in accountability — walking together under His kingship.
Psalm 144 reminds us: this training is not for earthly battles but for the battles of the soul - faith, obedience, and mission in a contested world.
So: Are you trained or untrained?
Reverend Canon Mark Carey – CCBN Network