Fasting from the Internet...

I just finished a week-long fast from the internet. It was refreshing.  Especially this last day, which ended with a 24 food fast.  Fasting from the internet is always shocking because I realize how much I jump on it.  First thing in the morning, a few hundred times throughout the day and last thing before I sleep...that's called an addiction!  But thank God for a refreshing fast to re-orient my heart and mind.

There's something about the feeling of weakness in the knees and a glimpse of what it's like to miss a few meals.  But I did this as a reminder to be in constant prayer.  I'm praying about whether or not I'm going to participate in ministry X vs. Z, or both, or none, etc..  Both ministries are awesome, but I'm not convinced that awesome is always appropriate all the time.  So, I'm praying for wisdom and clarity on the issue.

God is good, and he answered my prayers with clarity.  I don't want to and cannot do everything. That is not wise.  I also don't want to be "comfortable" because I know life is short, and the Lord is coming.  I want to be moving in ministry with a sense of urgency.  I also know I want to increase the giving of my time, energy and resources to the point of "sacrificial giving;" That is, giving to the point that something else has to go.  Perhaps less visits to the Sushi bar and Starbucks.

I also realized that I've always struggled with prayer.  I've never had a consistent prayer life and beat myself up for it for years.  This week I had a thought.  Why not fast from something every week.  A week without internet.  A week without coffee.  A week without Ice Cream. A week without music, etc.  I'll sacrifice something to help keep my weak little ADD mind on Him.

Catching glimpses of being weak, frail and small is a great feeling.  To know that the world is not about me is so freeing.  To know that I live like a King every day simply by the fact that I eat well every night reminds me of how blessed I am to have been born in the U.S.