I hope this new year and the beginning of the Daniel Fast finds you seeking God and anticipating what He’s going to do IN and THROUGH you in the days and weeks ahead. One thing is for sure, God is active. He is speaking, teaching, and guiding His people today. So we’ve got to be listening and ready to DO what He says.
There’s just one quick thing I’d like to share today. It seems that each year I do the Daniel Fast, God uses it, especially during the first few days, to root out sin, wrong mindsets, etc. I think that’s only appropriate since it’s impossible to receive from God with a tightly closed fist that’s gripping something else. Got to let go of the “junk” and approach God with an open hand – ready to worship, ready to receive.
So this year started with forgiveness. There was old friend that I had been holding a grudge against. (Shocking, I know…who holds grudges in this day and age? Joking, joking…) I have always struggled with holding an offense against someone, especially if I feel that they’ve wronged close family or friends, and in turn, me. God had been bringing this particular offense up with me for awhile…but, being stubborn, I had refused to reconcile. I had refused to ask for forgiveness, and I had refused to forgive.
But, thankfully, He’s merciful. He’s patient. He’s faithful. He’s kind. And that kindness leads us to repentance.
It led me there. And I am amazed at how much God can do – how much love, grace, mercy, and sensitivity to His Spirit that He can pour out, simply because I let go of the anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness I had been harboring in my heart.
So…be open during this fast. Be open to what His Spirit is saying. Be open to what He’s leading You to do. And if there are areas in Your life or heart that He wants to cleanse, reorganize, or get rid of – be willing to do it. He’s FOR you, not against you.
He’s working things out for your good.
