“You got to write about that,” my friend said on the phone.
“Naw…people will think I’m a religious nut.”
“No, they won’t.” She argued and won. So here I go.
As most of you know I dedicate Mondays to fasting and prayer. Not that I’m trying to be a holy roller, but I genuinely want to concentrate in my efforts to lift in prayer the heart-wrenching requests that come my way on a regular basis.
Fasting (water and a few slices of bread for the day) is immensely rewarding and doable for me. Unless…my routine changes. And a few weeks ago, it changed drastically. Hubby and I along with friends boarded a cruise ship. And just FYI, I have the habit of judging the caliber of a cruise by three vital criteria: the quality of the food, the food, and the food!
Shame on me, but I just relish those gourmet meals. Well, it happened. The cruise included a Monday–my fasting Monday.
So, I entered into a wrestling match with my conscience. Do I stand firm with my commitment to fast and pass up exquisite dishes?
The answer was clear. I sat with my friends at the table. Ignoring my rumbling stomach, I opened my Ziploc bag and pulled out a limp slice of whole-wheat bread. I took tiny bites while my friends around the table ordered their exotic appetizers, gourmet soups, fresh salads, yummy entrees and desserts to die for.
And while I tried hard not to drool during my torment, something happened. I had one of those amazing, one-in-a-lifetime “Aha!” moments.
I realized how profound it is to have the character to say no to the flesh and yes to a spiritual commitment to God. There is nothing, no around-the-world cruise, no delicacy served in luxurious restaurants, or even living the life of royalty that can ever bring that sense of deep conviction. Nor can they usher in the same level of resolve, fulfillment, satisfaction and soul delight that comes when we strip all flesh desires and, instead, follow through with a commitment to the King.
“Choose to love the LORD your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life. Then you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:20).
Father, thank you for making the priorities clear. You are my life, my source of satisfaction, of delight and of pure contentment. I rejoice in the way you whispered to my soul that commitment to honor you surpasses any pleasure of this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
• What is your heart committed to?
• Is your life truly satisfied, fulfilled, and content?
• Will you accept God’s promise of a long life if you’re committed to Him?
Janet Eckles
If this message resonated with you, please visit Janet’s cyberspace home for more inspiration.