Battle Belongs

This boy. I snapped this picture on his 11th birthday as he worshiped during his favorite song at church – Battle Belongs. He has his own actions and worships wholeheartedly without abandon. I love it so much!

Here are the lyrics, and then a few of my own thoughts following:

Battle Belongs

When all I see is the battle, You see my victory
When all I see is the mountain, You see a mountain moved
And as I walk through the shadow, Your love surrounds me
There’s nothing to fear now for I am safe with You

So when I fight, I’ll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I’ll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

And if You are for me, who can be against me?
For Jesus, there’s nothing impossible for You
When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty
When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb

So when I fight, I’ll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I’ll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

Almighty fortress, You go before us
Nothing can stand against the power of our God
You shine in the shadow, You win every battle
Nothing can stand against the power of our God

So when I fight, I’ll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I’ll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

A Victory

Eleven years ago, Josiah had his first chemo treatment. Yesterday, he had his very last scheduled MRI – which we learned today was all clear!

Eleven years ago, when his 3 month post-surgery MRI showed tumor growth, all I could see was the battle. When the doctors talked about the 16 month chemotherapy schedule and 10 years of post-chemotherapy MRIs, I remember being so overwhelmed. It seemed so far away and out of reach. Unreal.

But God. God saw our victory.

Here we are, eleven years later, in that place I couldn’t even imagine so long ago. We made it! Not on our own and certainly not with our own strength. God walked us through it all.

It’s not been easy, but looking back, we’ve done more than just make it. In the midst of all the appointments, MRIs, therapies, medications, new diagnoses, and many struggles over the years – despite it all, we have thrived.

Josiah has thrived. He IS thriving.

It’s still not easy. There are good days and there are bad days. The battle looks different this year, but our God remains the same.

I’m so grateful that, at 12 years old, Josiah already knows how to fight his battles. And I pray that he always, always remembers.