Tuesday, December 18, 2007

LOSING SOME BATTLES BUT CLAIMING THE WAR

As I began my post, The Serious Side (here) about our granddaughter Oksana choosing to remain with her mother on July 14th, I made the following statement.

"One of the constant desires of my heart is to be authentic and real in my thoughts, beliefs and feelings expressed on this blog. " This has always been my heart for this blog of Penless Writer and will always remain so.

Then on November 23 I had the joy of sharing the good news of Oksana's return to her father in Re-Joyce With Us.

Our family knows how to lose some battles, and have lost many, but we also know how to win the wars and we have won some major ones. The reason we know how to win the wars is not because of who we are but because we are Born Again Children Of The Living God.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" II Timothy 1:12

&

"NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN". Hebrews 11:1

The past 79 days, since our oldest son returned to Tulsa, has been a war. MANY victories, which I have recorded in this blog, but also lost battles. Our enemy, Satan, does not give up those who he has controlled for a long time easily. We know this and were fully aware of the war we were entering. BUT we also know:

I John 4:4 - "Ye are of God little children, and have overcome them: BECAUSE GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD."

For our prayer warrior Brother's and Sister's in Christ out there in blog land, we covet your prayers as we stand and contend for our family. They are our heritage and we claim them for GOD.


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24 comments:

weavermom said...

Susan,
You've got prayers from here! Also praying for your peace, and that God will bring it to mind often that it is often our greatest struggles that cause us to rely on Him most and strengthen our relationship with Him. May God use your family's "lost" battles to His glory and honor.

Love you!

Ms. Kathleen said...

I am so praying with you! Whenever two or more are gathered in MY name..." He is with us! God Bless you and Christ will have the victory! AMEN!

Jennifer in MS said...

Hey Susan,
I've been out of the loop lately and away from the computer so I need to go back and read about whats been going on. I just wanted you to know that I'll be praying for them!

... said...

susan, you and your family will be in my prayers. God will be victorious and your faith only glorifies Him.

Anita said...

Dear Susan,

I am sorry for not having much time for blogging recently.

Just a short message to tell you that Santa Claus was thinking of you and he put a little parcel in the mail the other day. You should receive it in due course! ;-)))

I'll speak a prayer for you and your family tonight!

Warm wishes from Germany,
Yours,
Anita

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

I am keeping all of you in my prayers. We may lose a battle here and there but we always win the war!

Unknown said...

What a powerful post, you are & have been in my prayers. I know a little of the fight you are wagging.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Susan,
Thanks for the update. Satan doesn't like the victories you have had and he wages his war against these. I'm praying for you and your family. May you have a very blessed Christmas, with more victories!

Katherine

Rita Loca said...

Praying!

Anonymous said...

Headed to the throne room of God for you, sister!

Ruth said...

You will definitely be in my prayers. Wars are tough, but victories are so sweet.

Jenileigh said...

Such wisdom in your words. Praying here too!

Maalie said...

> The reason we know how to win the wars is not because of who we are

Don't you think the experience and skill that you have acquired during your lifetime might have a little bit to do with how events turn out? I see no need to constantly invoke the supernatural.

~~Deby said...

sweet SUSAN and Family...standing in the gap and praying for you and yours...
*Greater is HE*.........
love to you and yours...thank you for being so real...that is what sets you apart...
Deby

IJ Hanna Lucky said...

Godbless you and will keep you for many more years to come in Jesus Mighty Name Amen. I pray that you win more battles and wars too in Christ, Amen
it is always a thing of joy for me, when I see an elderly person giving thanks to God for their marriage not everyone is that favored... neither is is everyone that stays that long in a marriage this is truly a Miracle in your Life. that said, I love your blog and will be visiting quiet often now
Godbless you

inspired said...

to God be the glory HE is the VICTOR HE is OUR KING & LORD JESUS CHRIST \o/

Barbara said...

Well Susan, whatever is going on we continue to stand with you in prayer. Blessings.
We have caught up with you. It is our 48th anniv. today.

Knit-Wit said...

Your family will be blessed because of your faithfulness.

Maalie said...

Penless, I am transferring your comment on my blog back to yours where it is relevant to your post (it is not relevant to mine about my visit to Ireland).

You said:
Yes, Maalie, I certainly think the experience and skill I have acquired during my lifetime add a great bit to how events turn out. The difference is, I see these as coming from the hand of God and not by happenchance.

Are you celebrating Christmas? If so I wish you a very merry one and a wonderful New Year.


Thank you for your response. I agree wit you that it is not likely to be happenchance. I believe it was more to do with the efforts of humans. "God" appears to grant his favours (and disfavours) equally arbitrarily between those with and without faith and between those of different faiths.

Thank you for your good wishes. I shall be celebrating the Winter Solstice on Friday when there is something real (the return of the Sun) to celebrate. I shall also celebrate on the 25th and sing seasonal songs with others because I see no harm in recognising the existence of our own Creation Myth - all cultures have one. The birth of a baby in a stable is a lovely story that captures the imagination of every child.

Myrna said...

I am praying for your family--and for you specifically to have the strength and wisdom you will need.

Hope ya'll have begun to thaw out and get back to normal.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Absolutely praying for you!

Thanks for sharing your heart.

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas and in the coming year,

Melissa

Anonymous said...

Amen and Amen!

Tiffany said...

You are so inspiring! Thank you for being so faithful and unashamed in your walk with the Lord! I thank God for your tender heart and your willingness to share with honesty your life with us! I will pray hard! God Bless!

Susan Skitt said...

So true, Greater is He that is in me... it keeps us going and gives us hope. Amen!