What an experience to have completed 21 days of consecration and intentional focus on the Lord!! I thought I was done, but the Lord wasn’t finished with the process. I’ve learned the discipline of reflecting and re-evaluating. In doing so, there is always the possibility of change, adaptation and re-adjustment. That’s exactly what happened.
In meditating and reading over my hard copy journey of the fast, I felt the need to press in a little further. There was a feeling of the need for something else. Unfinished business. Better yet, there was more to go through, more to be gained. I always am reminded of the fact that new levels bring new challenges.
I still yet have some giants to slay.
In coming off the restrictions of the Daniel Fast, I am led for another week to lay off bread!! That is one of several weak spots for me when it comes to favorite foods. Not only do I enjoy eating it, I enjoy making it. Fresh, soft, tasty breads!!! Is it worth being obedient to a few more days of self denial? Yes!!! I admit I had a small struggle because there are a several other items in addition that I am having to let go of too.
Bottom line is, Lord I surrender.
I wrestled with the idea of further restrictions. Was this from the Lord, the enemy or just me in overload making things up… But then I thought, either way where ever it came from it is a win win situation and sacrifice!! I did pray it through and feel that it is the leading of the Lord. I am expecting great things and where expectation is there is a level of requirement on my part. Obedience.
This is phase three of my journey. When I really look at it, it’s nothing that is impossible. Basically, I’ve been led over the next seven days (actually, this is the second day) to give up specific items, one of which is my beloved bread. I must say, the challenge came quick so I hadn’t mentally prepared and I almost failed twice yesterday only because I had forgotten I was doing without!! Thankfully, I passed the test. I accidentally ordered a footlong tuna on “Italian Herb and Cheese Bread!!” I didn’t remember about my restriction till I was walking in the parking lot on another errand before returning home with the sandwiches.
It would have been so easy to say, “Oh, I’ll just start tomorrow.” But I remained strong…scrapped off the tuna and veggies onto a bed of lettuce. I must say that was the best tuna salad I had eaten!!!
Yes, obedience pays off.
It was hard to deny my appetite for that footlong sandwich. Afterall, I’ve just come through 21 days of denial. But was I willing to give up further reward, blessing and breakthrough for a piece of bread? I really had to talk to myself and look at it that way. I’m not going to be like Esau and give up blessing to appease my desire to eat (Gen. 25:27-34). Plus, there are tons of other things I can have. I’m only doing without a few.
Chuckle, also reminds me of Eve in the garden (Gen. 3). She had all the trees in the whole garden to choose from, but she gave into the lie and deceit of the devil and took of the one that was forbidden to her. How easy for us to be persuaded by our own lusts and appetites. Guess, maybe that is what the Lord is trying to further strengthen in me. My resolve.
Here’s the salad that saved me…
Journals Within 