Day 3

Fasts always start with good intentions and quickly wane. Here we are at Day 3 and I’m hearing the song and dance: Old habits are hard to break.

I have to be extremely intentional – which is why implementing a new spiritual discipline (the heart of fasting) best involves something that gets not just my Intention but my Attention. Today that something is abstaining from games on my iPod.

Stopping, holding back – having to forcibly use my strength and feel my will turn away from that one little game – really required muscle. Don’t reach for it, don’t, don’t, don’t! Arrgghh, and why am I doing this? Oh yeah, so I will focus on my relationship with God. Bingo! Pain and loss work well in our lives because when we feel it, we have to figure out what to do with it.

The other part of my fast, praying for my friend, my financial advisor, I really had to think about. What would be a good prayer? What is going on his day and in his office that needs more than a Band-aid. Where and how might the Holy Spirit make a felt difference? How does God want me to look at my friend as I am praying? Beyond his occupation, I think, and beyond results to where God is moving him.

Today, my small group talked about Joshua 1 where the Lord gives Joshua command over the Israelites to take them into the Promised Land. God tells Joshua three times, “Be strong and courageous.” That’s a word for us. Every move forward is a step into new territory that takes strength and courage. And God says, “I am with you.”

What I am learning:

• Interceding in prayer requires seeking God’s eyes, perspective, and truth.
• We are never alone.

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