Prayer and fasting really change things!!! I would participate in corporate fasting to be obedient and to support the church and its ministries, but I didn't really understand the purpose of fasting. I read a book by Jentezen Franklin simply titled "fasting". It went over the purpose of fasting and different types of fasting and that Jesus fasted. Given that as Christians we are to be Christ-like, the fact that Christ fasted sets the example. I now begin each year with a 40 day fast. I am praying for my breakthrough and just God's blessings throughout the year. Even though I know that all things are possible with God, this time last year, there is no way I would have told you that my daughter would be healed of sickle cell disease. But I digress....
I am currently on a fast from some of my favorite foods looking to the Lord for the resources necessary to properly respond to the things that he has called me to do. I deliver newspapers in the morning. One, because the money is good, but also because it is quiet and I can spend time talking to God and listening for His response. I love my route for that. However, this time of year, I begin to drag and Saturdays and Sundays when I'm not also rushing to a full-time job, I tend to sleep later. Consequently, people may not get their newspapers on time. This has been going on for some time now. Last Saturday, while Clarke and I were visiting the University of Delaware, I asked my husband and Quentin to deliver my route for me. Needless to say, they did not do a great job. On Sunday morning, I was pulled into the office and given a 30-day warning!!! I couldn't believe it. I hadn't even been in the state!! I was mad at first, and pouty. But even then, my mind kept telling me to look for God in the situation. When I'm in town, the papers get delivered fine - just late. The solution is for me to get up earlier to finish the route earlier. On Wednesday night, this came to me - like a light going on; a real "a-ha" moment. My alarm clock is set for 2am, but I hit snooze 4 times and get up at 2:40. Wednesday, I was determined to get up at 2am. My plan was to get to the warehouse 40 minutes earlier, finish my route 40 minutes earlier, and GO TO THE GYM!!!!! This is something that I haven't had the time to do since Chandler's transplant, but I have been to the gym for the past 2 mornings. The time that I am praying and fasting for has been revealed to me. I praise God that what the devil meant for evil, God used it for my good!!! Pray for me that I will be able to maintain my desire to be an early riser, that I will be able to do all that God sets before me to do daily, and that I will continue to seek Him in every circumstance!!!