Battles Lost, Victory Won

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
~ Desert Song by Hillsong

I'm sitting here feeling completely defeated in some of the battles of life I have been engaged in for some time now. I have donned my best armor, fought with my best sword, and battled self as faithfully as I have been able -- all to no seen avail.

However, as defeated as I feel, I know that while these battles may not be reaping tangible rewards for me now, the war that has been waged on my heart is nearer and nearer its aforeseen victory.

I may be discouraged now, in the face of loss and the taunting of the unknown, but what I am beginning to see is the fruit of this labor and God's grace in my own heart. These battles may seem painfully lost, but the trust I have had to place on the Lord in these times have harvested irreplaceable gifts of humility and surrender that I never would have received had I chosen not to enter into battle.

The battle may seem lost, but there is the promise and reassurance of everlasting victory through Jesus Christ our Savior.

"Why am I discouraged?
Why is my soul so sad?
I will put my hope in God.
I will praise Him again,
my Savior and my God!"
~Psalm 43:5