FJWL_02:458
         (Dad:) If you knew how much every single battle counts in deepening your dedication, making that cord between you and Jesus a little bit shorter, stirring up the love and passion Jesus has in His heart for you, how proud it makes Jesus, and how much He's going to be able to use you because of it, you wouldn't mind going through ten times as much, because you could see the victory. But just because you can't see it right now doesn't mean it's not there; it's just out of sight. But we can see it up Here, and take my word for it--every last drop is worth it!
         You're doing great through your battles! You're letting them change you and soften you and mold you into a vessel perfectly fit for the Master's use. Once this leg of your journey is over, you'll probably miss it, because you're at the point where every song you hear means so much, every Letter you read speaks to you so clearly and motivates you, every smile and prayer from your brethren is so comforting. But don't worry, once these are over, there'll be more, ha! But you'll get through those just fine too, because He's got you figured out just perfectly and He's not going to give you anything too hard to bear.
         You're getting stronger through these battles, and your skill is getting sharper by using it. You're becoming quicker with your sword and you are more aware of the attacks, of when and where they're going to hit. You can even tell before they hit. That's really good. No skilled soldier got that way by chance. It takes a lot of battles, a few blows here and there, but then it really starts paying off.
         So don't worry about it. You're not failing me or Mama or the Lord or your dear shepherds just because you're having a few battles. If you never had a battle I would probably wonder what was wrong with you. I might start wondering how much of a "live one" you really are. If the Enemy's not worried about you or trying to stop you or hinder you in any way, then he must not think you're too much of a threat, don't you think?



Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family