40 Days of Fasting & Prayer--Day 34

Feb. 5th-That God’s presence would INVADE my health

(Psalm 103)

My imagination began to run wild when I saw the macabre chamber of torture instruments spread throughout the room.  Being in this room seemed to make the walls close in on me.  I couldn’t help but envision the hundreds that had suffered in this cruel environment.  Anger began to creep into my mind that other humans could devise such machinations with the sole purpose of imposing pain upon the body and mind.

The guide seemed to show an inappropriate admiration for what took place in this room.  She seemed to take pride in being able to elicit the emotional response that she could drag out of those with a weak constitution.  I discerned that this guide was not just a sadomasochist but that she was simply evil.  With that realization, my blinders came off and I could see the long finger nails, the red eyes filled with glee and the protruding fangs.  Even with the awareness I was helpless to this seduction.  My mind was screaming “Run!” as my hand was signing on the dotted line.  This would mark the beginning of a long term commitment to the athletic club.

I hate, Hate, HATE exercise.  I reserve that word for such existence-altering things like taxes, rap music, the Brussels sprout, flu and exercise.   Exercise is synonymous to pain, boredom, futility and guilt.  Guilt was my only motivator.  If I’m going to spend money on this gym then I’d better use it.  Even that didn’t last though.

This time of fasting has realized great spiritual impact in my life but it has had noticeable physical impact as well.  I have lost more than 30 pounds and weigh less than when I was in high school.  I have returned to my lanky, gangly self of yesteryear.  More importantly, my mind and heart have changed in a lot of areas as it relates to my health.  The desire to take care of my body is much greater than it was before.  This isn’t age-related caution. This is a spiritual confrontation of my lack of stewardship.

My flesh wants to eat until it’s satisfied.  My flesh wants to betray me.  My flesh wants to stay comfortable.  My flesh wants more than it should have.  Don’t misunderstand me…I am not going on a health food kick nor have any imaginings that I’ll be eating primarily dry salad, tofu and wheat germ.  This fast has brought one primary understanding to me regarding my health--I mistreat my body by excess and laziness.  This fast has caused me to realize my need to fast.  Fasting has caused a humbling and obedience that I was busy ignoring due to my overindulgence.  This isn’t just about food and exercise.  Without a lifestyle of fasting that impacts my spiritual health, I find myself physically doing the things I shouldn’t do and not doing the things that I should. Sound familiar?

"Jesus, You said in Isaiah that my body will experience health because of the stripes that You withstood on that Cross.  Forgive me for not allowing Your work to invade our lives due to my disbelief.  I humbly pray that You breakthrough my unbelief and align my health with Your Word.”