This month my pastor asked us to fast and pray. Last week was a fast from our favorite beverage. This week, however, was a lot more challenging. While I do not watch television all day, I do like to have the background noise when I am working. It also helps to occupy my toddler's time in between play time and story time or when I need to get some work done.
Since we are obedient to the spirit and submit our will to God's will, we had no choice but to obey the pastor and turn the television off. What am I supposed to do for entertainment? As I was telling my family about my fast it dawned on me that I was not suppose to replace television, but use this as an opportunity to deepen my relationship with God. No television forced me to put down the remote and open my heart to God.
On our first day, we had errands to run and I had tasks to complete for my meeting. So it was not too much of a stretch to operate in silence. Day two was a bit more tricky. The rain prevented us from getting out and running from the silence. Often times God does things to get our attention or put a halt to our plans because His plans are better for us. Like day one, we prayed and I read scriptures w/ explanations to my daughter. I also realized that Pandora had a toddler channel. At least we could sing her nursery rhymes and get our exercise by dancing around the living room.
In between jam sessions, I listened to my gospel music on Pandora or my computer. This helped me to keep my mind focused on God all day. Pandora was not meant to replace television, but add to our worship experience. I began to gain clarity and rejoice over the great things God has done for me and my family. That night was prayer service and I was pumped. Prayers were sent up to heaven and I know God heard His children.
Because I have been focused on God and reading, studying, teaching, and meditating on His word this week, today's challenges did not phase me. I did not worry about the situation. I gave it to God and cried out to Him to fix it for us. I opened my mouth and God touched my heart. I needed day three. My life is a testimony in the making. Today, He added to my story by revealing His work to me through my husband. The prayers of the righteous availeth much.
Even in this short amount of time, I am stronger today than I was three days ago. I cannot wait to hear from God again and see what He has in store for me and my family. I challenge you to give up something in your life that is distraction or consumes so much of your time that you feel like you do not have enough time to communicate with God on a daily basis. It may be Facebook, the television, Twitter, shopping, gossipping, or smoking. Whatever it is let it go for 1 week. Replace your need for it with your need to hear from God. Ask Him for forgiveness, grace and mercy, protection, and anything else your heart desires. God says we have not because we ask not. I'm asking God to hear your prayers and meet your needs.
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