Recently, I felt the Lord calling me to complete a 40 day fast. Nothing super impressive mind you, but nonetheless an important aspect of my walk with the Lord during this season.
I wish I could say that this fast has brought about that “gentle and quiet spirit” within me. That I’ve loved this time of surrender. That I’ve been faithful through it all. But, dang, fasting is not for the faint of heart, my friends.
Giving up something you love doesn’t seem so bad for a few days, but what happens when those days turn into weeks? Further, what happens if God asks you to give something up altogether – never to return to that comfort, or that hobby, or that mindset? That’s where I am. That’s been my struggle. That’s where I’m finding freedom.
You see, even though my World Race journey ended 8 months ago, my journey with the Lord is still moving forward. He’s still convicting me, healing me, guiding me. Those aspects will always be a part of my journey. Those aspects will always be a part of our journeys if we’re willing to let God have control of our lives.
Easier said than done, right?
What’s incredible to me is that I’m writing my “40th blog” during this “40 day fast.” Now that might not seem important to you, but it makes me stop and think.
“Does God really care about “all the details” of our lives or is everything just by mere coincidence?”
That’s what Satan tells you. That’s what the world tells you. And that’s even what you tell yourself sometimes.
But there are no mere coincidences with the Lord. Even something as simple as a number. For me – the number 40. It has reminded me through all of the changes and challenges of this past year, that He sees me and nothing in my life goes unnoticed by Him.
So simple.
Yet so profound.
All the details matter to Him.
That doesn’t mean life is perfect. It doesn’t mean we’ll have it all figured out. And it doesn’t mean that you and I won’t make mistakes.
But it points us back to the truth. This truth: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him!” (Isaiah 64:4).
God’s work on our behalf is no mere coincidence.
Be at peace, my friends!
Melissa
The Infinite and the Finite // The Valley of Vision
“Turn my heart from vanity,
from dissatisfactions,
from uncertainties of the present state,
to an eternal interest in Christ.
Let me remember that life is short and unforeseen,
and is only an opportunity for usefulness;
Give me a holy avarice to redeem the time,
to awake at every call to charity and piety,
so that I may feed the hungry,
clothe the naked,
instruct the ignorant,
reclaim the vicious,
forgive the offender,
diffuse the gospel,
show neighborly love to all.
Let me live a life of self-distrust,
dependence on thyself,
mortification,
crucifixion,
prayer.”
