Every year our pastor calls a church wide fast during Lent. We are asked to fast things as a church, corporately. We are also asked to fast things individually, like certain food items or entertainments. I usually begin preparing my heart and my mind for the fast shortly after the new year. The discipline of unplugging from the world and getting my body, soul and spirit into proper alignment is something I really look forward to each year.
This year my fast was a flop. It started out great but two weeks into it spiritual attack came from every side and I could not stand. The things I chose to sacrifice became familiar comforts to me. My body fatigued, my will weakened and my spirit submitted to my flesh. For 40 days a spotlight seemed to shine on my sin. I was so aware of my sin nature. My thoughts, words, actions, motives, and emotions seemed to fall short on every level and I felt powerless to gather them up and wage war against them.
 |
| An Easter craft my mom did with the kids Sunday afternoon |
This morning I was deeply convicted of an attitude that has invaded my heart. It is ugly and it is dangerous. As I was confessing my sin I thought, "This is what the cross means to me. This is the beauty of that empty tomb." I can sit on my couch in the early hours of the morning and pour out my heart to my God. I am assured that He hears me, forgives me, cleanses me, and empowers me to overcome. Excitement arises in my spirit! This is the difference between the days before the cross and the days after the cross. The days before the cross brought an awareness of my sin and a return to familiar vices to ease the sting. The days after the cross still bring an awareness of my sin, but with it comes the hope of change. I have power to defeat this nasty attitude and every other sin that comes under the spotlight. My heart sings loud an anthem of celebration that we sang at church this past Easter Sunday...
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated
No comments:
Post a Comment