Some months ago, during a weekend trip to Michigan, my wife and I drove across the Old Mission Peninsula, a narrow strip of land approximately 10 miles long. This beautiful peninsula was extraordinary for the vistas it offered—with Lake Michigan often visible from both sides of the highway. Along the route, fully loaded cherry trees and vineyards offered a remarkable array of color to the drive.

While making the journey through this remarkable venue, I began to consider the importance of taking stock of our own ministry landscapes. It is important, from time to time, to step back and note the rises, the valleys, the challenges and the beauties of our respective ministry settings. If we are travelling too fast or distracted by the tasks of performing ministry, we often miss the movements of the Spirit or the fresh opportunities that await. Taking the time to assess where we are going is vital to ministry—and awakens or refreshes our commitment to get to those goals.

Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they sent out spies to observe the land and take notes that would help in the journey ahead. Later, the apostle Paul sent young missionaries ahead of his arrival to prepare the way and gauge the receptivity to the gospel. Scripture is replete with such observations—goals and vantage points that can be obtained only through the watchful eye and the receptive heart.

This week, take stock of your ministry landscape. What do you see ahead for your ministry? What successes have brought you to this point? Where do you see the challenges, the valleys, the high peaks in the distance? How are you going to get there?

Through observation, calculation and prayer you may be building your own bridges and creating some marvelous blessings. Keep going, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey itself.