This past weekend, the Scripture for my SERMON dealt with fasting. It is a spiritual practice I have not preached a lot about. I enjoyed studying about fasting and seeing the different instances when people of faith fasted. One instance people fasted was when their nation was going through a difficult time. They went without food for a period of time as a way of humbling themselves before God, repenting for their sins and the sins of their nation, and seeking God above anything else (including food). God responded powerfully when his people were fasting. Ezra, a spiritual leader for the people of Israel, held a fast when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after being exiled by the Babylonian army. Ezra wrote, "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty," (Ezra 8:23).My heart has been heavy about the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. It is just another reminder of the rational wound in our country that is real and not healing. Perhaps it is time for God's people to fast and pray for this situation - to humble ourselves before God, to repent of our sins and the sins of our nation, to seek God above anything else (including food), and to pray fervently for God's wisdom, power, and guidance that we might work for peace and reconciliation. I am in! If you are willing to engage in fasting, prayer, and conversation around this issue, let me know. I'd love to share the journey with you.
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