It has been some time since I’ve shared from my heart on this site. I have been so wrapped up in the election ruckus and aftermath. I took part in the verbal ugliness that has displayed itself on Facebook. I am embarrassed and I am repenting from my words and actions. 

This brings me to my church. Prayer and fasting is a very important component in the life of many of my Christian brothers and sisters. It serves to allow our focus to be God instead of ourselves. Often we find it difficult to tune into what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us through all the confusion. This time of prayer and fasting will silence us for a time. 

As part of my church’s current endeavors of expanding God’s influence throughout our community, my pastor suggested that we fast something of importance to us. One of his suggestions was to fast from Facebook. I took that suggestion seriously, at least for the second part — the fasting. It turns out my prayer life hadn’t improved much.

Any time we draw closer to God we can be sure that the devil will have his minions working overtime on us. Some pay a very high price for our efforts to be in a closer relationship with their Creator, some deal with something more than annoyances. 

Over the past month or so, my sleep has been greatly interrupted by many frightening and accusing thoughts and dreams. Some nights I had no sleep at all.  No matter how much I prayed for sleep and a peaceful mind, it was not happening. 

Then, I remembered the reason for fasting– to get closer to God. It is not a time to ask for favors because “I’m doing this good thing and I’m being so good, He should answer my prayers!” 

Finally, I changed my focus to praising Him. I remembered, again, that He saved me from my sins and from myself. Christ paid the extreme price to save my soul. That was a gift I certainly did nothing to earn or deserve. But, that didn’t matter to Him. He loves me more than I can imagine. He loves us all more than we can ever imagine.

Since turning my focus back to God, I’m finally sleeping better and my husband is quite thankful to have a rested wife back. 

Through this time I have been reminded and have been made more sturdy in my conviction that no matter the situation, it is better to stand with God than in opposition to Him.

No matter the price.