Recently a group of young men have been banding together and seeking how God can be actively working in our hearts and lives. I've really been encouraged to see the work God has been doing in the lives of these men and it has been an equal challenge to me to make sure I am "up-to-date- with God." One of the suggestions made was to be seeking God and in prayer over a potential overseas trip together as a group of men. Boy, did that kick the ticker into high gear!! I love to travel, I love the Lord, and I love the land of Israel! What better way to make my heart rejoice than to combine all three of those ideas into one. It is still a long ways away, but even the thought of it reignites the excitement I have in my own heart for that idea. I'm not sure I could even definitely pinpoint all the emotions that flit through my brain over that prospect, but I'll name one.
I think the majority of my excitement stems from others catching the vision of leadership, and seeking how they can be preparing themselves to take up that mantle themselves. I am assured that I am not alone in this preparation process and that others are also catching the vision and throwing their hearts into it. That is really encouraging! Sometimes I chafe at the slow preparation process I am undergoing, but I have to recognize that my education will only seek to enhance any future ministry. I shouldn't chafe either because ministry has to go on in my own heart and I have a lot of growth steps still to go in my own walk with God.
The story of Gideon in the Bible is applicable in many ways, but a specific verse/thought I'd like to highlight here is "Faint yet pursuing". The time will come.