As part of the SWAT team tryout IV and the others had to take part in a ruck march of “unknown distance, unknown time”. Meaning, they were to start marching without knowing how far they had to go or how long they had to get there in order to pass this part of the qualification.
It’s a mind game.
They had to start moving (IV took off running like a crazy person, of course) and hope that their pace was fast enough to get them there on time, yet slow enough that they could endure the distance.
They just had to go and keep going…
Goal unknown…
Unknown distance, unknown time.
As I’ve been studying Revelation with a group of ladies at church and also reading the book Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado with another group I’ve thought about this exercise and how it applies to life, and faith, and suffering through afflictions.
Bad things happen, life happens, and sometimes there’s no end in sight; this is when we must cling to our faith in the One True God and just keep moving forward…
Unknown distance, unknown time.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
After Matt was shot, IV went to his bedside and whispered in his ear, “unknown distance, unknown time”.
He knew Matt would understand this…he hoped it would help Matt to push forward in his fight to live.
I have no doubt that Matt’s training is one of the tools the Lord knew he would need for this time.
However, the most important weapon Matt has…and any of us have in any affliction…is faith…whether it’s our own or if we’re feeding off the faith of the people who love us.
We need physical training for this physical world, but it’s the training of the heart and soul to love God, love others, and follow Jesus in faith that is going to get us over the only finish line that really matters.
In Revelation we were talking about the tribulations of the church at Smyrna (ch. 2) and how they were given a precise number of days for their tribulation, 10 to be exact (2:10), and how we don’t always have that “luxury.” Usually, we have no idea how long a trouble is going to last.
So many people are hurting, and a great number of us are drowning in anxiety. The hurts and the worries of the world are going to be around as long as we’re here…we have to find a way (THE way) to endure.
Keep looking up, keep showing up, keep moving forward, and leave it all in God’s hands. It’s not easy, but it’s the only way.
And the Lord knows the end.
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord .
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the Lord , and your plans will be established.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord ; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.
When a man’s ways please the Lord , he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
Proverbs 16:1-8
He holds the key!
So what’s our key to holding on to this kind of faith???
Rejoice even when you don’t feel like it, PRAY…and keep praying, and find something to be thankful for.
“As you sense anxiety welling up inside you, cast it in the direction of Christ. Do so specifically and immediately.”
Anxious for Nothing
By Max Lucado
And then rest in the promises of God…
He will not delay.
Unknown distance, unknown time.
Free and Fearless 
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