Love this!!!

I had to share this, courtesy of Lindsay Willis. She is amazing and this is amazing. I want this to be my prayer every day!

Heavenly Father, Sovereign LORD, give me Your words of wisdom,  so that I know how to comfort the weary.  Morning by morning please waken me and open my understanding to Your will.  Heavenly Father, Sovereign LORD, speak to me, and I will listen.  I will obey; I will not rebel or turn away.

Fasting

Today was a day of fasting. For the first time in a long time. And it is challenging. Going for an entire day without food is a crazy thought. After years of eating every day, all of the sudden I'm not going to eat for an entire day? Yes, it sounds crazy. I laugh at myself, because even as I sit here with my mouth salivating at the thought of food, I realize how totally dependent I am on food to make me comfortable, give me energy, and keep me going throughout the day. I noticed while I don't feel as hungry as I thought I would (it's probably because my metabolism never really kicked in today), that I am craving everything. I catch myself on autopilot to the fridge or pantry, and have to stop and remind myself that today is a day of fasting. You're the only one I would ever do this for, Lord, I pray, and the only reason I'm sticking with this! And it's true. But it's really good. Bonding time with the Lord. Focusing in on Him and and what He has for me today. Fasting isn't glamorous at all. In fact, it's really hard. And while invigorating, at the same time, at the really low points of the day when you're really hungry, it feels really dry, too. It doesn't feel like anything bigger or better. But the whole reason is breakthrough. Conquering self. Tuning in to God's heart. And staying there.

The Awake 21 blog really encouraged me today.

When we pray and fast, we don’t do so to change God or His will; by praying and fasting, we are the ones changed.

I read that, sat back in my chair, and went, "Whoa." It's so true. This is the first time I've fasted in a very long time, and it's a personal struggle. It's almost like telling my body for the first time in a long time that it doesn't really have control of me, that God is more important to me than food or drink. I don't mean to brag at all by this. It's like a personal admission for me. I haven't wanted to fast because I haven't been willing to give up the simple pleasure and God-given gift of eating. It is a gift. I think of all the people across the world who are going hungry tonight, and not by choice. For me, I get to choose it. But they don't. And that kicks me in the gut. For me, the only side effects I'm experiencing at the moment are a growling stomach, heightened sensitivity (ex. more annoyed and cranky), and lack of focus and energy. Think that at least x10 for them. It blows me away. I think that's been the purpose of this fasting day. God wanted me to realize on a deeper level what people across the world are experiencing right now, and have been for centuries. That puts so much more importance on the work that Feed My Starving Children, Compassion International, Samaritan's Purse, Children's Cup, and so many more ministries are doing.

And speaking of relief work, today is the 1 year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake. It is mind-boggling to think that that happened an entire year ago. It feels like yesterday. Don't forget to pray for them! God is doing HUGE things down there - revivals, bringing people to Him, stirring up His people and working through awesome organizations to bring aid. But there's still a lot of work to be done there, so don't let it get off of your radar!