When I first heard about fasting several years ago, I thought, “I cannot fast. I need to eat because I am diabetic.” However, the Lord taught me that I could fast, and I did. I looked at labels, found recipes with no preservatives, ate only vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. I also made a list of what I wanted the Lord to do. Primary on my list was for Him to give my unsaved loved ones the gift of faith. Can you see from the description that I was very goal-oriented? I wanted to reach the goal and fast successfully. However, it was a diet, an exercise, and a discipline.
Last year, Pastor Josiah introduced the fast, and he reminded us that we need to be God-shaping. Instead of my putting my list at the Lord’s feet, I asked Him how He wanted to refine me. I wanted to hear what He had to say instead of giving Him my list. That was a big shift for me. Because it is such a struggle for me to fast, I would daily write down why I was fasting. That helped me think about the Lord more and not my stomach or my cravings. (I love potato chips.) The Lord helped me to understand the idea of surrendering more of myself to honor Him.
Then this year, the focus once again encounters us with fasting and praying. Pastor Josiah emphasized that the fast cannot just be a diet; the fast should be connected to prayer; the fast helps us to deny our flesh; and the fast is not limited to three weeks but is a foundation for continued growth and closeness to Him, our Abba Father.
From the very beginning of the year, I have wanted to learn more about praying. I have been using the Bible app to read a verse, listen to fellow believers reflect on the verse, and go through guided prayer. The steps help me to read His Word, ponder it, and talk to the Lord.
He wants to talk to me. That just blows me away. Why would the Creator of the universe even take the time to listen to me? David expressed that same feeling.
“O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.”
“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-
the moon and the stars you set in place-
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?”
Psalm 8:1,3-4 (NLT)
The amazing Creator is willing to hear me. I am in awe of Him. “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:2 (NLT)
When I pray, I do not need to use big words or theological terms. Since He is my Abba Father, my Daddy, I want to talk to Him from my heart and my soul and tell Him what is going on in my head and heart. I want to thank Him for how He has answered my prayers. Last week’s answered prayer is a prime example. Recently Larry passed out while at church and we had to call the paramedics. They treated him and ensured he was ok. When I was following the ambulance that was taking my husband Larry to the hospital recently, I turned on K-Love and heard Katy Nicole sing, “You catch me when I fall.” The line was repeated three times, and I knew that the Master of the universe was with me and was telling me that He had Larry’s image engraved on the palm of His hand. Isaiah 49:16 (NIV) When Larry passed out, his head did not hit the cement floor when he collapsed. The Lord had caught him!
Prayer is having a conversation. The type of conversation I have with a trusted companion contrasts with a chat with an acquaintance. God, my Father, already knows my deepest secrets that are hidden in the corners of my heart. He just wants me to be aware of them and to seek His will and way for me. When I am sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s convictions and guidance, I can respond either with acceptance or rejection. To be closer to Him requires that I accept the Spirit’s conviction and let Him shine the light on my areas needing change. I want to remember that God is sovereign and all-knowing. He knows what is best for me, not just what is good for me. I can trust Him because He loves me. I want to be desperate for Him like the woman trying to touch the fringe of His garment so she would be healed. She reached out for Him and was healed!
Engagement: In what area is the Lord asking you to change? Is it in your prayer time, reading of His Word, tithing, or perhaps your service? If you do not know what it is, ask Him. He wants the best for you because He loves you.
What will you do to change? Will the change be temporary or permanent? If it is permanent, what will you do and how will you do it? Ask for His grace to help you do what may be challenging. It’ll be so worth it!
Annette Stamos Linthicum
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