“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Cor. 1:20.

God’s promises to us receive their “Yes” in Christ, and outside this life there is no “Yes.” Then, when these promises receive their “Amen” through Him in us, God is honored through us.

God, in His great grace, has given me rest—blessed rest. Of course, I feel tribulations in the midst of rest, but no one is trying to start a fight anymore. It has been the Lord’s war, and therefore it has also been the Lord’s victory. His name be praised and exalted. To begin with, we have peace without battle; but later, every single Canaanite must be defeated before we can obtain peace. These Canaanites are always outside the body, but victory and peace are enjoyed within the body. In the beginning I had to take up a defensive position, but later on I went on the offensive. As a result, by God’s grace, I now have an unspeakable peace in the midst of all this tumult from the multitude of the sons of disobedience and the rulers of this world. I prayed and fought and felt anxiety until, inch by inch, God gave me victory. I hope you understand. Br. Aslaksen sensed in his spirit that the same battle lay ahead of him, and he was looking forward to it with joy.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

Throughout all this I have learned that all our battles and victories are prepared by God Himself, so that God will be honored through us and His kingdom will be glorified. Nevertheless, in the midst of battle there is a fundamental requirement that we carry out all the tasks that we have been given with zeal and exactness. This is a great strain on top of all the other spiritual friction, but it is required if we are to bring home the victory.

We have been down to the Jomfruland Channel for a few days. From July 1 to July 16 we will be carrying out officers’ training exercises, sailing from Kragerø in a westerly direction. From July 16 to September 15 we will be on an expedition with the squadron, and after that we have artillery exercises for two weeks and then later with the main crew.

I have had many conversations with Br. Birkeland, and we usually spend shore leave together. Otherwise, things are as usual. Aanensen’s brother from Kristiansand, who is a mineman here onboard, has fully come to peace with God.

I have no way of knowing exactly where you are at the moment, but I presume that this letter will be forwarded to you. Our starboard side is constantly turned toward the sun due to the sunwise wind, so it gets extremely hot here.

Just these few, quick lines with greetings in Jesus Christ.

Your brother,