Jeremiah 12:5
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
To be worn out in running with foot soldiers in a land of peace is to be overcome by small, ordinary difficulties now, and this proves inability to stand greater trials to come. It pictures having no power of endurance, sinking under a cloud at a little difficulty or trial instead of developing character. To contend with horses and to meet the swelling of the Jordan pictures passing through the fearful scenes of the trying hour of the time of trouble ahead.
The answer to such weakness is to develop courage, patience, endurance, perseverance, ambition and faith now in order to bear trial. Indulgence in a child's upbringing that leaves children unable to bear small troubles weakens them for that fearful time of trouble. What is required is reform from indulgence, discouragement, useless complaining and thinking oneself more afflicted than one is, to cheerful endurance with faith and a countenance lightened by the Spirit of God.