I know Jesus told us Christians not to let others know when we are fasting, but I think he meant to give exception to blogs. After all, what are blogs except a means to express one's ego?
Actually, no ego here on fasting and praying, and I'll explain why after some quick background. I've been fasting this week along with the international student group in our church. It was my idea to set aside one week each month to fast and pray, with the goal of becoming more dependent on the Holy Spirit and less pliable to the demands of our sinful nature. After all, Paul uses the stomach to represent our sinful nature in Philippians 3:18-19, so why not believe that we can control our sinful nature in some part by controling our stomach?
Turns out, God has been teaching me this week just how difficult it is to control my sinful nature. Last Friday, for example, I was visiting one of our cell groups when some people starting talking about atheism, our pastor's teaching on giving, church governance, and other topics which I feel strongly about. I ended up exasperating younger believers that I'm supposed to be shepherding, and acting "out of my flesh" by talking (loudly) when I ought to have been listening. I felt sorry for that all week. I've become more conscious of sin in other ways this week, as well. It's humbling. I may be able to control my stomach, but it appears I cannot control my sinful nature after all. Well, that means I need the Holy Spirit even more, right?
3 comments:
Hang in there! Fasting also lowers your tolerance for nuisances, and it's probably one reason why you were more verbal than you usually would be. ;o)
hmmm... this was the same week for fasting and praying for us!
and thanks so much for the invitation! i'm flattered. the logistics may prove to be a little challenging. i am traveling with my boss, and i will have to find out if we have a "free" evening. i will let you know. it would be amazing to have two blog worlds collide! :-)
I suspect Saurkraut is right--you were probably feeling irritable from not eating. We all need the Holy Spirit much more than we know.
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