Morning Meeting With The Boss of Me 1.26.23

Morning Meeting With the Boss of Me 1.26.23

5 More Days

ByGrace

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

It's day 25 of the Daniel Fast. As expected this time has been challenging, but also equally rewarding. I completed my devotional on Dec 31, 2022, and God has not sent me a new one yet. Instead of fretting or going on my own to buy something random, I decided to wait on the Lord and focus on the meditation scriptures sent from church for this Daniel Fast we are doing. I say we... I guess it's "we" in spirit and technology if the "we" I refer to is the community of believers that is Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Circumstances prevent me from fellowshipping with my church family in person, and for me, online just isn't the same (especially without a personal connection with any other member other than watching church at the same time...)

I had hoped to fast with my bestie. I thought we were the “we”. Though our motives were different, I thought the comradery of this shared experience (and recipes) would be great… and also maybe soften her heart toward Jesus. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented her from participating. The first challenge for me was the perceived lack of human support and encouragement. But before I could dwell on that perceived lack, I focused on what I did receive. Like those daily scriptures (from the very church I said I received no support) the realization that the “we” I refer to is our Father, His Son (whom I call friend), and the Holy Spirit that fills me.

Then right smack in the middle of the month, my second challenge arrived in the form of my on-again, off-again beau. We had been off for some time and I sincerely planned to shut down any efforts on his part to renew our relationship. But I decided to trust God and offer grace. My beau-friend, while supportive of my efforts, was not trying to fast from coffee, meat, or sugar. I faced that temptation, inhaling that divine coffee smell as I watched the pot drip and prayed that I could resist just one swallow. All glory to God, and praise to Him for lending me the strength I needed to drink hot water instead of succumbing to temptation. Thanks to Him also for the additional human support I was blessed with during that visit.

As the time to end this fast draws near, the cravings for the things I sacrificed increase. As the cravings increase, so does the length of my prayers. God is the only One equipped to help me through this. What's so amazing are the ways God blesses me each and every day. I get words of encouragement from the most unexpected and random sources. Watching the way He works in my life and sharing these miracles is my favorite thing to do, and I am so grateful for the opportunities He’s given me just since this fast began. I know that God will do something amazing for his people after the conclusion of this fast. I was not prepared for all the amazing He has done for me each day of it. I don't know why I expected less from Him. I don’t know why I thought this would be a time of struggle, sadness, and lack. I’m grateful it’s been a time of peace, joy, and increase instead. I pray these gifts can be multiplied and used for His Glory during 2023: This Year of Amazing Things. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

Your Servant,

tbyGrace