Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
It’s been 3 days since I have been back in Lausanne. Time flies. Just about 3 weeks ago, I was still working hard on the exams. Now – exams are over, I’ve finished my break in Singapore and the new semester is starting.
Time really waits for no man. No matter what we do or do not do, the clock ticks on. (But this is another philosophical thought for another time).
The Lord spoke to me about entering into a time of fasting and prayer some time back. I didn’t obey then, and this time round, after some confirmation from prayer partners back home, I have started on a seven day fast (could be longer depending on whether I have gotten a spiritual breakthrough). Today is the fourth day of the fast.
I have come to the conclusion that it is not easy to discipline the flesh. On the first day, I had to literally “scold” the flesh to keep quiet while I concentrate on reading or praying – the thoughts of food and craving for different types of food would arise.
Even as I progressed, the thoughts and images of the wonderful delicacies that can be found in Singapore would still “haunt” me. I kept pressing on – worshipping and praying in tongues or just doing other stuff.
I took a walk by the lake yesterday – it was a bright sunny day, albeit a bit chilly due to the wind. Nevertheless it was a good walk. Prayed in tongues along the way and sat on a rock to read Psalms aloud. On the way back, I just felt that the Lord impressing upon me that the stomach is one big part of the fleshly nature that needs to be disciplined. If that part of us is not disciplined, the other parts will indelibly go “haywire”. It’s not that we must fast 7 days or 40 days every now and then. But fasting should be a part of our lifestyle to deny the flesh and allow the spirit to flow and connect with God.
It’s not that we shouldn’t eat or that we shouldn’t enjoy God’s creation on this earth. It’s just that when we over-indulge and give in to the whims and fancies of the flesh, that the wheel is set in motion. I have come to realize that as I progress financially, in line with my career, I tend to indulge in myself more than last time. Restaurant meals, good food, a good car, tours, etc. These in themselves are not wrong per se. but when they become part and parcel of living my life on this earth, they somehow creep in and overshadow the spirit realm. Or rather in my case, my spirit ceased to grow as much. It was like I was letting down some of my guard in the spirit. I was reminded of the times when I would just walk to the fridge and eat all the rubbish I could find there. For people like me, it’s even more dangerous because the effect don’t show up physically very visibly i.e. I don’t put on weight easily. Is it a sin per se? Not immediately. But it feeds the fleshly nature and along with that the flesh becomes more and more “powerful” while the spirit man wanes. And ultimately, when it comes to the crunch, the devil knows when it is time to strike and with one fell swoop, we are caught in the net. Period.
The book of James puts it very well.
‘Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, not does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and win, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.’
Perhaps I now can understand why John Wesley refused to ordain any Christian minister who did not make prayer and fasting part of his lifestyle. Fasting is so important. This is part of my journey crossing over the river Jordan. The Lord has yet a lot to do in my life.
Circumcision, Healing, Restoration and Preparation
Joshua 5:6
At that time, the Lord said to Joshua, “make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.”
Before crossing over the river Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua to circumcise the Israelites. These were the new generation believers who were not part of the unbelieving generation that first left Egypt. These have not been circumcised. There is a need for circumcision before we enter our promised land. The Lord has that final work of removing the flesh in our hearts before we are allowed to enter the Promised Land. The Lord is dealing with me. It is painful. After circumcision, there is a period of healing and restoration before we become strong again to face the enemy. (Joshua 5:8).
I can only say that I need to wait out my time, until the Lord says I am ready. In His time, He will make all things beautiful.
Amen
Prayer Requests
Btw, I have the following prayer requests if you feel led to pray for me:
- Discipline to finish the fast, and an advent/breakthrough to the next level that God wants me to operate in (the second part would probably take a longer time)
- Focus on the new semester (That I can adapt to the new material). For God’s wisdom and guidance in knowing the material fast
- Protection against spiritual attacks (esp. in my mind and thought life)
Thank you and God bless.
