That's right! I'm more excited today about the open doors of opportunity for ministry than I've ever been before. I can hardly wait to see what God will do next...tomorrow, the next day, and the next! Don't get me wrong, I'm living in the present! However, I am greatly anticipating the future, with much hope!
I'm trying to 'live' a message I heard soon after my conversion at the age of 16. (Can you believe I remember a message I heard then?) Anyway, at the time, the Youth Director of the GA District of the A/G, Robert Elliott, who later became the Dean of Men at Southeastern Bible College which is now Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL) emphasized three points in his sermon: "Plod on. Plod on. Plod on."
I give God praise. My youthful mind absorbed his message. I've never forgotten it. So, I'm excited...as I plod. I love plodding! At least, I'm still moving...it speaks of progress; albeit, slow.
Plod on, my friends. The journey is worth it!
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Okay. So, I'm plodding. I arose this morning at 2:15 A.M., not because I am an old man with insomnia, but because I had 'heaven on my mind.' Actually, I awoke with heaven's 'business' on my mind.
I spent a few moments in the quiet of my living room, lit a candle, sat in solitude, prayed breath prayers, and meditated...cleared my mind and forbade any 'problem solving' thoughts to enter. I just sat there in God's presence. Afterwards, I did a little writing, planning, reading, and now, I'm blogging.
So, this is hard work...the ministry. It requires sleepless nights, commitment, prayerful attitudes, death...to self....but the thing is...as the Psalmist wrote of Jesus in Psalm 40:8, "I desire to do your will, O my God." Ministry is painful, extracting, crucifying, but totally satisfying.
I know, at times, I need more rest. And, quite honestly, I struggle with the need to get it. But, as Jesus also said, "I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; for the night comes when no man (or woman) can work." (John 9:3-4)
As I see it, most of Jesus' work was at night...while others were sleeping. And, while I see him 'weary' during the day (John 4:6), I never see him (at least, it is not recorded) 'taking a nap.' He's working.
What joy it brings, and how especially fulfilling, when you see the fruit of your labor: transformed lives. May it ever be so!
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