Day at a time.

Before I'd be discouraged. Before I'd let my insecurity drag me down to the floor of despair. But strangely, I know the Holy Spirit is working ... I know it, despite my frustrations and the patience I know I need to have, I know You're at work. I guess You just answered my prayer to care more for the youth ... to hurt for them.

I probably won't forget the first words a veteran pastor said to me when I first started this thing ... "Much long suffering." But with the smile on his face, I know that this man experienced God in a deep way that not a lot of people probably have. God willing, if I make it to around his age, I want to be able to say to some young 20 year old entering ministry that though this path will sometimes feel like it's killing you, in the end it will not have been a sacrifice at all in comparison to knowing Christ ... to fellowship with him in his suffering as they say.

... Suffering precedes glorification.

Father, I'm in this for the long haul ... as long as You're with me, as long as You give me more of Yourself I'm in. Don't hold back now. I want more.

A day at a time,
-Jon