Fasting

Last week I participated in a fast with my church, Monday through Friday we skipped lunch opting instead to read the Word, pray and seek God's direction for our lives and our church.  I haven't done a fast in several years, and in times past I could only think about what I was going to eat instead of really being able to pray through the day because it was a day long fast.  I was grateful for our Pastor's grace in directing us to have a snack as well in the afternoon.  :) 
Several things I learned through the week ..

Monday - I was hungrier than I have been in a long time and  starting around 10am.  I don't usually even eat lunch until 12:30, so I was certain it was the enemy trying to thwart my efforts.  I was acutely aware of my need for God on a daily basis and realized how my soul hungers and thirsts for Jesus, when I fail to nurture my relationship with Him. 

Tuesday - In the sermon our Pastor preached prior to the fast, he mentioned that fasting is praying with expectancy of things to come.  As the year 2011 is coming to a close, I'm ready to wrap it up and put it behind me.  This has been an exceptional year in many ways, though there are always a few events you want to put behind you and move forward from.  I truly began to have a stirring in my heart for 2012 and great expectancy for what God will do in our church and in our lives individually.   

Wednesday - Each day our church posted a blog for the day to give scripture and topic to consider during prayer time.  Wednesday's topic was being aware that God is always speaking to us.  Even when we begin to doubt, question or fear we have been abandoned, God continues to speak to us and He is always in pursuit of us - individually and corporately as the church.  The problem with feeling like God isn't speaking doesn't lie with Him - it lies with me and my listening.  I need to initiate my own fasting throughout the year, to slow down and listen. 

Thursday - The word "fasting" began to make me think - really, we are "slowing".   I am fortunate to live close to home and enjoy eating lunch at home most days of the week.  This week changed up my routine as I sat on my couch, reading and writing.  I wasn't fitting in errands, catching up on my DVR, texting with friends, preparing for evening activity or reading magazines during lunch.  I was sitting.  Still.  I need to do that more often with my focus on the One thing that matters most in this life. 

Friday - I worked straight through lunch and was tired after having events to attend Wednesday and Thursday nights.  Hunger wasn't really even on my mind.  I did think several times through the lunch hour while at my desk about how important it is to do my job and do it well.  My heart and my intentions are reflected in my work, thus reflecting who Jesus is to me and how I want others to see Him in me.   When I got home I did finish my week of reading and journaling - thinking on how I can use this week to meet needs of others and more importantly remembering it doesn't matter the time of day, I need to slow down and let God speak. 

If you are in a rut, feeling down, over-committed, holiday stress or otherwise frustrated in life - be encouraged.  Take some YOU time, you and Jesus.  Slow down, be still, pray protection over your heart and mind.  He hears you and is waiting for you. 

John 6:35 - Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Blessings,
Angie