Adjustments
We're heading into the second week of the fast. Yesterday when Brian and I talked about our week-one experiences, we noted two insights. First, we encounter things in a multi-day fast that we would not face in just one day. God takes us through phases that can only be unfolded over days. You'll find this to be true in week two. Week two will feel different than the first. Be aware of this dynamic. God has something fresh for you this week, different from the last. The second insight is that these movements have a predictable nature. While we are all wired differently, if you are sharing your experiences with friends, you might be having several moments of saying, "Yes, me too!"
The start of the second week is a good time to think through adjustments. Take a few moments to reflect on the first week. What worked? What didn't? What went as you expected? What was different than you thought it would be? The answers unearthed can serve as the basis for some adjustments. Some realize going into week two that they set goals that we just too high. More often though, we find that we set them a little low. That's not a bad thing. We set goals that we thought were attainable. Yet, in their attainability there is a lack of stretch. It may be good to ratchet up the intensity of the fast.
Another area for reflection is the prayer or prayers you are bringing to God. Do they meet the standard of audacious? Are they out there...only God could do this? Are the requests we are bringing to Him safe? Could they be more courageous? More dangerous? Further, maybe God is moving you to pray for something else or something more. If something won't let you go, it could very well be the nudge of God.
After all this, you may conclude that all is good. No adjustments are needed. However, if you do need to adjust, the start of week two is a great time to reset.
Today's Prayer
Have you ever promised to pray for someone? A friend shares a burden and we respond by offering to pray for them. Unfortunately, we do not always follow through on the promise. A wise guide taught me to make a different promise. Instead of promising to pray, say that you will pray for them as God brings them to mind. This is not a cop out. It is relying on the Spirit to guide our prayers. The Bible tells us that the Spirit knows what to pray even when we do not (Romans 8:26-27). So here is today's prayer. Quiet yourself and pray for whomever God brings to mind. Sit with Him and let Him guide you to the person who needs your prayer.
Final Thoughts
It may be that the adjustment you need to make is to join us in fasting and praying. Maybe until now you've been happy others are doing this, but have not joined up. Do it! Join us. See what God does.
A Song