Daniel Fast - Take Two: Obedience or Submission

Most of you know that this is our church's second year to do the Daniel Fast.

I think it is safe to say that across the board, it is more difficult this year.

I texted a friend the other day to say that I believe it is harder this year because we already know how difficult it is. Last year there was excitement and the unknown. This year there is dread and more dread.

I have pondered all of this and questioned my spirituality. The truth is - sacrifice isn't sacrifice unless it hurts.

And.... I am even unable to do the complete fast because I am having issues with my blood sugar. I am cutting out things though that I REALLY REALLY don't like going without.

But my thoughts tonight are not on "my" sacrifice, or even on "my" desires. My thoughts, my introspection tonight is on my lack of submission.

You see, I have obedience, but at the moment I don't have submission.
I am being brutally honest.

I don't WANT to give up diet coke.
Today, I gave up diet coke only because I feel bad that I am not doing the complete fast.
I am sick of drinking water.
I don't like water.
And, I have battled a negative attitude about it all day.

Again, I am just being brutally honest.
Now, the shallowness of my spirituality is screaming through this blog.
I will wake up tomorrow morning and read this and think, "Yikes!!! Did I really put that on the web for the world to see?" Then I will remind myself, that I should be more worried what HE thinks...... He already sees these issues in my soul.


What do I want more?
Diet Coke or a more passionate relationship with Christ?

What do I want more?
Diet Coke or my friends' unsaved children returning to Christ?

What do I want more?
Diet Coke or miracles of healing for my family?

What do I want more?
Diet Coke or a financial miracle for our church to be on our new land?

When I type it like that, put it in black and white, I feel ashamed.
So, in my heart of hearts, I want the spiritual things.
But in my physical being, I still want a diet coke.

I guess I am getting at the whole point of a fast- doing without something-
Letting that carnal, fleshly side of our lives die so that the spiritual side has more voice, more influence, more strength!

I spent more time in prayer today. I knelt at my bed and shared my feelings with my Savior.
I didn't hear the "Well done my good and faithful servant", but I did feel His encouragement and strength.

I didn't drink a diet coke.
Sacrifice isn't fun.

But a cleansed, victorious spirit is refreshing.
I want THAT more than a Diet Coke.

I want HIM more than a Diet Coke.

I want a heart that pleases HIM more than a Diet Coke.

I want to want what He wants MORE than a Diet Coke.

So with that, I think I am beginning to move from obedience to submission
- just beginning.


blessings to each of you and you consider your life of obedience or submission.....
dorinda