"It is far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, for they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
This is a quote by David Deas. I don't know anything about David, accept he was a member of Trinity-On-The-Hill United Methodist Church. He submitted a quote to an author who requested quotes from 20 different churches. The churches distributed letters to their members asking for quotes. This was David's.
When I read it, it reminded me of this fast. I know some people must have rolled their eyes when I called for a church-wide fast. If God hadn't put it on my heart, I probably would have rolled my eyes as well. But the truth is, this fast is no small thing. Just by attempting something so outside the norm, something that will cause you to sacrifice, something that should focus your attention on God, you are daring a mighty thing. I don't know if you've experience mighty trumps, or checkered failure. Either way you are better off than those who decided to live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat. I'm proud of you for attempting something great, and I believe you will ultimately be successful if you continue to turn your focus off of the things that will not ultimately satisfy, and focus on the only one who can bring meaning to life.
I have had a successful week in my estimation. I have only had forgetful moments where I grabbed a cracker or a piece of candy as I headed for my afternoon bus route. Grabbing a snack is something I do regularly on my way out the door, and it only dawned on me that I was still fasting from the previous meal after I had eaten a bite or two. However, the real success hasn't been not eating. The gain from eliminating one meal a day has been a real revelation. I have been more efficient in my daily tasks, getting more accomplished each day. I have truly felt God giving me the strength I needed to resist satisfying my hunger. My time with God has included writing these encouragements as I fast from one meal a day. It hasn't been easy, but it has proven worthwhile for week 1. How is your fasting Going this week? Take this poll and let me know how it is going for you. Feel free to elaborate in the comments below.
Pastor Matt
1-5, 5 being successful, 1 being failure, how has your fasting gone this week?
1 - failure
2 - lots of setbacks
3 - moderate success
4 - mostly good