“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11-13
Lent is here and there is talk of fasting around the internet on social media. This always strikes me as North Americans discuss having to ‘give up’ something they like for Lent; chocolate, bagels, cream cheese and an array of other items that will crush their lifestyle; while in Haiti there are people fasting, not ‘giving up’ meals because of their choosing, but simply because they have nothing to eat. Their thankfulness for food is genuine and we don’t and prayerfully never will fully understand what it is like to be truly thankful for having that one meal every day.
Perhaps a good fast during this pandemic would be to give up complaining. I give up eating two days during each week in Lent, to remind me of my Savior’s submission to the pains, agony and death on Calvary for my sins. Small sacrifice for what He did for me and you on that cross standing on the hill at Golgotha two thousand years ago. Saying ‘no’ to North American food for two days of each week is pale compared to His silence to the charges rendered against His innocence.
My friend, Pastor Darrell Stuehrenberg who is today basking in Glory, sent me the following back in the day and its meaningful use of words touched on ‘Fasting’ and I’m sharing them with you today; Fast from fear.... Feast on faith. Fast from despair.... Feed on hope. Fast from depressing news... Feed on prayer. Fast from discontent... Feast on gratitude. Fast from anger and worry.... Feed on patience. Fast from negative thinking.... Feast on positive thinking. Fast from bitterness.... Feed on love and forgiveness. Fast from words that wound... Feast on words that heal. Fast from grave thoughts... Feast on the promise of eternal life!!
The attached photo of a young boy in Gonaives reminded me of going without…food, clothing and all the pleasures of this world that we take for granted. There are over 33,500 children giving thanks today because of your financial sacrifice to put a meal on their school desk and they also know and appreciate that they are surrounded by your prayers every day. Thank you for answering the call of our Savior and for continuing to pray and support the children in Trinity/HOPE feeding programs.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay