21 day fast, part 1
Week 1/3 done
The first few days were hard, I admit, a little fatigued and mild headache from the caffeine and withdrawal. And yes, I was hungry most times. Yet, I tried to put these moments of physical exhaustion into the care and hands of my maker and you know what? I got through just fine. It also happened to be one of the busiest weeks in a long time, of course, with work, family and church duties grabbing for my attention. Although a challenge, I tried not to let this deter me away from my prayer time in the evening focusing on the questions that were given to us in church, the 21 day devotional guide. Then there was a crazy moment where I was forced into a sudden desperate prayer time. It was on Saturday morning, the end of the hectic week and I'd just finished my run. These are the moments I feel most at peace. I just came out of the shower, feeling on top of the world, jamming to my 80s party list. When suddenly, Prince was interrupted with the beeping of the smart phone alert. We hear these a lot in Hawaii for flash flood warnings but as I looked out of the window at the clear blue sky, and thought that maybe I'd actually better look at my phone to see what it was all about. 'EMERGENCY ALERT: BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII, SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER, THIS IS NOT A DRILL.'
were the words staring back at me. I decided to take these words seriously rushed back into the bathroom where my clothes were as I was trying to recall the discussion I had with my husband weeks before. How long it would actually take for a missile from Korea to arrive on the island. What was it? 20 minutes? Hmm, I guess my leave in conditioner hair product would have to wait. I quickly got dressed, and immediately closed the windows and blinds. I made sure all my kids were inside and told them to stay downstairs. We all held hands and fervently prayed. My husband was at the gym not too far away. He got the alarm and was advised to stay where he was at, which he did. We prayed that it was in fact just a drill and false alarm and thank you Jesus, it was!
I couldn't believe it. One minute I was singing when doves cry and the next minute I was in sudden panic crying out to God for our own lives. Thanks to my husband's connections in law enforcement, it was only a matter of minutes from the time of the alarm until we knew it was only a false alarm. Yet in those minutes, I placed all my shaken nerves and trust in God.
You'd think after that, the hectic tasks of the weekend wouldn't seem so important but the following day, I was caught in a frantic usual self with household tasks. I was discouraged because I felt that I didn't learn anything. Wasn't the fasting supposed to change me like some kind of magic formula? Why am I still stressing and worrying? Then I remembered another verse last week in church, in the story of Mary and Martha. 'Martha, Martha the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, Mary has chosen what is better' Luke 10:41
I felt like those words mine as well have said 'Janette, Janette, you are worried and upset about many things.' It spoke directly to my heart! And so I must learn to come to the feet of Jesus. This is first and so much better. And I know its not a magic formula. It is a journey that begins by choosing what is better.
It also takes trust and learning to lean into God for ALL things. Also, as I heard in church this morning, that even though my strength may falter in this fast that I've been led to do, God will provide. Knowing what little strength I have will be enough, because God will help me the rest of the way despite household tasks, bills to pay and false missile alarms.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. -Psalm 46:1
The first few days were hard, I admit, a little fatigued and mild headache from the caffeine and withdrawal. And yes, I was hungry most times. Yet, I tried to put these moments of physical exhaustion into the care and hands of my maker and you know what? I got through just fine. It also happened to be one of the busiest weeks in a long time, of course, with work, family and church duties grabbing for my attention. Although a challenge, I tried not to let this deter me away from my prayer time in the evening focusing on the questions that were given to us in church, the 21 day devotional guide. Then there was a crazy moment where I was forced into a sudden desperate prayer time. It was on Saturday morning, the end of the hectic week and I'd just finished my run. These are the moments I feel most at peace. I just came out of the shower, feeling on top of the world, jamming to my 80s party list. When suddenly, Prince was interrupted with the beeping of the smart phone alert. We hear these a lot in Hawaii for flash flood warnings but as I looked out of the window at the clear blue sky, and thought that maybe I'd actually better look at my phone to see what it was all about. 'EMERGENCY ALERT: BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII, SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER, THIS IS NOT A DRILL.'
were the words staring back at me. I decided to take these words seriously rushed back into the bathroom where my clothes were as I was trying to recall the discussion I had with my husband weeks before. How long it would actually take for a missile from Korea to arrive on the island. What was it? 20 minutes? Hmm, I guess my leave in conditioner hair product would have to wait. I quickly got dressed, and immediately closed the windows and blinds. I made sure all my kids were inside and told them to stay downstairs. We all held hands and fervently prayed. My husband was at the gym not too far away. He got the alarm and was advised to stay where he was at, which he did. We prayed that it was in fact just a drill and false alarm and thank you Jesus, it was!
I couldn't believe it. One minute I was singing when doves cry and the next minute I was in sudden panic crying out to God for our own lives. Thanks to my husband's connections in law enforcement, it was only a matter of minutes from the time of the alarm until we knew it was only a false alarm. Yet in those minutes, I placed all my shaken nerves and trust in God.
You'd think after that, the hectic tasks of the weekend wouldn't seem so important but the following day, I was caught in a frantic usual self with household tasks. I was discouraged because I felt that I didn't learn anything. Wasn't the fasting supposed to change me like some kind of magic formula? Why am I still stressing and worrying? Then I remembered another verse last week in church, in the story of Mary and Martha. 'Martha, Martha the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, Mary has chosen what is better' Luke 10:41
I felt like those words mine as well have said 'Janette, Janette, you are worried and upset about many things.' It spoke directly to my heart! And so I must learn to come to the feet of Jesus. This is first and so much better. And I know its not a magic formula. It is a journey that begins by choosing what is better.
It also takes trust and learning to lean into God for ALL things. Also, as I heard in church this morning, that even though my strength may falter in this fast that I've been led to do, God will provide. Knowing what little strength I have will be enough, because God will help me the rest of the way despite household tasks, bills to pay and false missile alarms.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. -Psalm 46:1
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