The Worth Of A Soldier

Thomas Manton was a 17th century English Puritan clergyman. Manton once observed:

"The worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace."

Manton's observation squares fully with the words of Peter which we find in 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV):

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

John MacArthur's NKJV study notes on 1 Peter 4:12 tell us that four attitudes are necessary in order to be triumphant in times of trial or persecution: 1) Expect it; 2) Rejoice in it; 3) Evaluate its cause; and 4) Entrust it to God.

God, in His own divine will and sovereignty, is allowing your own personal trial to take place. It may be to measure your faith, or to strengthen it, or to teach you humility, or to allow you to be able to comfort others, or for any other number of reasons that He may have.

Trials are battles. Battles make up wars. If the worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace, then the worth of a Christian is never known until times of trial.