Today a large number of squadmembers and I fasted in prayer over our upcoming support raising deadlines and y’all, it was an experience. I, personally, have never fasted the way we did today and I don’t know what the rest of the group’s experience with fasting was prior to this but we all joined together in support of each other. When it was first brought up on Wednesday I thought to myself “fasting through breakfast and lunch, that should be EASY!” I was so wrong. By the time dinner rolled around I was hangry to say the least. I even dreamed about potato chips last night and I don’t even really LIKE potato chips. I woke up knowing it was going to be a long day.
Despite all of that, I learned quite a lot today. First off I have to say the wOlf pack is one great squad to be a part of. Throughout the day there wasn’t a single hour that passed where someone didn’t send something encouraging or funny or spiritually filling in our group chat. We prayed for each other and joined together in a way that I’ve never seen a group do before, at least not one I’ve been a part of. It was so comforting to know that I wasn’t the only person struggling, we all were doing this in support of each other and in service to God.
Second, I found so much clarity and focus. Hunger is one of the most fundamental needs that we as humans must satisfy each day. Even though I knew I’d be coming home to eat dinner tonight, I’ve never experienced hunger in that way before. I also can honestly say I’ve never prayed as much in one day as I did today either. I was in almost constant conversation with God. Each time I was reminded of His glory I thanked Him. Each time a trial was addressed I looked to Him for guidance. Each time I felt hungry I asked Him for spiritual sustenance. My day completely revolved around conversation with my Father and I’ve never felt closer to Him.
The third thing I learned was surrender. Surrender has been on my heart a lot lately. When I think of surrendering, James 4:10 immediately jumps in to my brain. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. It’s so hard to surrender control over to God, especially since I love to be in control of my life so much. It allowed for a complete change in perspective. How can I say that I have faith in God’s plan yet still continue to try to control every situation physically possible? Those two ideas are in direct conflict with each other. That’s the conflict I found myself in all day.
The purpose for our fast was to be in prayer over each of our support raising efforts and our upcoming deadline. Instead of divine inspiration about support raising ideas, I found what God was truly asking of me. Surrender. Complete and total surrender. Isn’t that what the next year or so is going to be about anyway?
On this Thankful Thursday, I am so thankful for my wOlf pack family. I don’t think I would have made it without their encouragement and love today. I’m thankful for clarity and focus. My mind and my heart weren’t set in the right place and I look forward to our group fasts in the future that will allow for that realignment. Finally and most of all, I’m thankful for Jesus. I know it’s cliche, but a simple day fast can help show how steep a sacrifice He made when dying for our sins. It’s days like today that make me so much more excited to share His gospel in just a few short months.
Love always,
Katie
