summer suffer

So in about 7 days I'll be getting on a plane to Colorado, and will be there till mid August. I wanted to write a short post just in an effort to lay down my thoughts and see where God guides me in doing so. I am very excited about the frontier God is throwing at me in Buena Vista, CO but also very nervous about the physical expectations waiting for me. I think of growth opportunities and I think of missions, but more than those, I think of suffering. John Piper, while giving a sermon to college students in College Station, TX says that, "...Every Christian's suffering is intended to bless someone." I can not help but think of how challenging this summer will be for me, but also how many opportunities await those long rafting trips down the Arkansas River. I have faith that God will use me this summer and I walk willingly in that shadow, but even in this I see my weaknesses. Paul tells us that in our weakness God is made strong; reflecting on Paul and his suffering, I think it's at least worth considering one or two of his points (sarcasm). My point is simply that even though there are no familiar faces in Colorado, even though there are no safety guarantees, and even though I have no idea what I'm getting myself into... God has intentions in my walk and I pray that I don't get in the way of those opportunities. I find great comfort in His promises, and more that comfort, I find His great strength. 

thanks, holler.

-B