Reed’s Reads of Wisdom Wednesdays: Trust the Training: Why Preparation is the Key to Overcoming the Unexpected

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
Jun 4
4 min read

Have you ever felt unprepared when life’s battles hit? Kevin and Juanita, even after their transformation into Soldiers of Light, didn’t get a moment’s rest before being thrust into battles that would test everything they believed. And that’s the lesson: it’s not the fight that makes you ready—it’s the training that prepares you to win.

In Book I, when the heroes first faced the demon soldiers, it wasn’t their flashy powers or new armor that guaranteed their victory—it was the training they received at Wiseman J’s facility. It was the push-ups, the drills, the sparring that gave them the edge. Even when the Demon Master sent wave after wave of darkness, they didn’t fold. Why? Because they were trained for this.

Wiseman J had convinced Kevin and Juanita that they had to be in peak physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition in order to fulfill the mission they were sent there for.—Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™

🔥 Lesson 1: Training is Preparation for Purpose

Kevin and Juanita didn’t just get thrown into the fire; they were prepared for it. Remember the pivotal moment when Wiseman J says:

“This is what you’ve been training for. I thought I would have more time to prepare the two of you, but I don’t. I need the two of you to put these rings on and save my niece.”—Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™

It’s the same for us. We sometimes think we have all the time in the world to get ready, but when God calls, He expects us to stand. That’s why He trains us in advance—through tests, trials, and even mundane routines.

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”—Psalm 18:34 (NIV)

💡 Real-World Reflection:

David trained in the field with sheep—fighting off lions and bears—before facing Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and praying before starting His public ministry. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Kevin and Juanita trained with Wiseman J, learning to harness their powers, trust their instincts, and lean on each other.

Declaration: I trust the training God is giving me today—even if I don’t understand the battle tomorrow.

✊🏼 Lesson 2: Faith is the Ultimate Trainer

Kevin and Juanita faced unimaginable challenges: betrayal, fear, and doubt. Yet every time they felt weak, they returned to their training—and their faith.

“Juanita closed her eyes and whispered a prayer. ‘Lord, I trust You. Even if I’m not ready, I know You are.’”—Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™

That’s the heart of trust. It’s not about being strong enough to fight alone—it’s about trusting the One who fights for you.

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”—Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

🛡️ Lesson 3: Training Builds Resilience

In Book II, Kevin and Juanita’s training is tested when the Demon Master launches a direct assault on Memphis. The city is plunged into chaos. Friends and family are in danger. Yet in the middle of the storm, Kevin looks at Juanita and says:

“We’ve been trained for this. It’s time to fight.”—Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™

They didn’t hesitate. Why? Because training builds resilience. It teaches us to fight even when we’re scared—even when the odds are stacked against us.

📖 Interactive Reflection:

What battle are you facing today?
What training has God already given you to prepare?
How can you apply that training in your current challenge?

Write it down. Pray about it. And remind yourself: you’ve been trained for this.

✨ Lesson 4: The Holy Spirit—Our Divine Trainer

The training Kevin and Juanita received wasn’t just physical or mental. It was spiritual. They learned to trust the voice of God, to listen to His Spirit.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”—Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Every time Kevin doubted, every time Juanita felt weak, the Holy Spirit reminded them who they were—and whose they were.

“Your heart has to be right in this war.”—Wiseman J, Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™

We, too, are never meant to fight alone. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our trainer, our comforter.

Declaration: Holy Spirit, train me for every battle I face. I trust Your guidance and strength.

🔥 Lesson 5: Training Produces Community

Kevin and Juanita weren’t alone in their fight. They had each other. They had their team.

Angelo, Angeline, Jeff—they were more than friends. They were a family forged in battle.—Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™

In the same way, our training in life isn’t meant to be walked alone. We need community—people who challenge us, support us, and stand with us in the fight.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”—Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

📝 Interactive Challenge:

Make a list of your team. Who are your encouragers, your spiritual warriors, your prayer partners?
Reach out to one person this week and thank them for being part of your training.

🙏🏾 Final Word: Trust the Trainer

God doesn’t waste your pain. He doesn’t waste your struggles. Every trial is training for the purpose He has for you.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”—Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

So the next time the darkness rises, remember Kevin and Juanita. Remember their training. Remember that every drill, every lesson, every prayer prepared them for that moment.

And know that God is doing the same for you.