This picture was taken in our Pittsburgh front yard at the height of Autumn spendor last year. I'm so happy today becaucse it finally feels a bit like Autumn in Florida. Just cool enough to peak it's face in the door and say "Hey". (That's Southern for hello)
Fall is a reminder to me that though growth and maturity often come via pain and discomfort, they propel us forward into rewarding changes. And if we take time to stop and look, we will find amazing beauty from the process of change. Beauty that was not there before. Like the fire red and golden ambers of the leaves on our trees.
Now those leaves have fallen to the ground and our trees are barren. Soon, Mr. Winter will come and those very branches, that once were adorned by the blaze of color above, will be veiled in frosty shimmer. What appears to be loss, has once again brought about another form of beauty.
Fasting has been this for me.
I am about to move to a new state to establish a new life. A life that I prayed and fasted for in 2007. God blessed my petition and obedience to His Word with the marriage to the Man of God He has called me to be in marriage covenant with, Ross. Yes, I'm thrilled. But, the challenges have and are still difficult. Two homes to maintain and sell. Five young adult children to guide through this blended family transition at the point they are entering adulthood. College costs. Nurturing our new mariage and getting to know each other better. Total adjustment. Unexpected illness.
These were the "WHY'S" that I started with at the beginning of my fast.
They are still there, but as God leads me during this time of humbling myself in submission to Him alone, interceding for so many people, and just being in His presence, those "WHY'S" aren't what is motivating me to continue. It's the change in me that holds me. I'm not doing this for God and not for those reasons.
God's fast is turning the "green leaves" of my heart and soul into bright red, pumpkin orange, and golden amber. Their beauty is bringing me joy and pleasure. Soon, they will drop off, with branches waiting for God's first lovely snow and will be adorned for a different kind of beauty. I am decreasing so God can increase within me.
This has now become my WHY.
Tomorrow, I want to talk about Isaiah 58. Take a look at it and see what you think.
I'm feeling great, by the way. No hunger. Just drinking liquids. Less fresh juice or anything that might start digestion really. This is the way I will go in the future for other fastings too. My thoughts are clear and I hear God without confusion. It's not easy, but it's wonderful. I am praying you will join me in a lifestyle of fasting and see what God might have for you and yours.
Treasured and Loved,
Karen
Posts
