How do you eat an elephant?

It'll be two weeks come tomorrow ["today", thanks to a computer glitch...].

And what a challenge-filled two weeks it has been. In my previous non-rant blog I thanked God for His ever-sufficient grace, which has kept me and several other people standing 'neath the load of incredible, incredible pressure.

Tonight I just want to thank Him for helping me keep a clear focus and a sober mind. Like I told my UFC fighter-friend yesterday, I suppose one of the greatest needs of a UFC fighter is the ability to keep a clear sense of bearing after being severely, ferociously hit from all sides. No wonder the first thing a referee asks a boxer after he regains consciousness is, "Where are you?"

Peter said as much to the readers of his epistles, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled..." In other words, be sober.

I thank God for sobriety, a "steadfast mind".

This of course comes from two things: 1) A fixed gaze upon Him and 2) the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, at work in us, providing "power, love and sound mind."

Another thing I want to thank Him for is the favor He has given me with the people I now get to work with - some of the best people in the world!

Today, after service, I had the chance to talk to the key leaders and volunteer workers of MHCC. Basically, I asked them to work with me. I asked them to keep our communication channels open. To let me know of any and all needs, no matter how seemingly trivial. This is essential if our team is to function like a healthy, fit body - with sensitivity and responsiveness. No numbness of the extremities, no sluggishness.

Lastly, I thank God that He continues to raise up prayer warriors and spiritual back-up support in the wings. Just tonight, I called a pastor friend to invite him to come help us in an upcoming church activity. Even before I could tell him my request he asked me, "How are you? I've been praying for you." And then it hit me!

"Of course! The reason why I've been able to keep a clear head all this time is because people have been praying for me. For us!"

Thank You, Lord!

More and more, I am coming to realize just how daunting a challenge this new, god-given opportunity really is. Like the proverbial elephant, there's simply an overwhelming amount of "meat on the table". Sometimes, just the thought of it can be intimidating enough.

But just like the proverbial elephant, all these challenges can and shall be faced and resolved "one bite at a time."

After all, with God on our side, nothing is impossible.