I am absolutely and completely elated by the overwhelming response to the call to bloggyland for a fast on Monday for Cindy at Faithful Promises. If you missed the post, please pop down two days and read it. It is one of the most important posts I have ever written.
I will tell you that I have gotten emails and calls from: Beth, Nancy in CT, Stacy, Laine, Annette, Suzanne, Marianthe, Elisa, Bonnie, Carolyn, Jen in Phx, Joellen (& MaryEllen & Debbie), Sheridan, Judi, Peggy, Charissa, Tanya & family so far. I know there are more out there joining in, so this is just so stinkin’ awesome!
And as far as geographical locations: there are friends joining in fasting for healing for Cindy from Canada, Korea, Germany, England, the United States and even Uganda!! And that’s just the ones we know of. That is just amazing to me! Today I thought I would do a brief post about how to prepare for fasting. I kind of mentioned some things the other day, but here are some tangible things to do between now and Monday. As we prepare to fast it is important to get everything out of your heart and life that would hinder the Lord’s move in your life. Everything. Some of the things that come to mind is: unforgiveness? bitterness? anger? rage? addictions? Just for starters. I ask the Lord if there is anything that doesn’t please Him, would He please reveal it to me? When something pops into your head, or someone’s face comes to mind….that would be a good indication that the Lord is showing you someone or something that you need to get right. It is amazing what will come to mind when I ask the Lord that question. Things I didn’t realize or haven’t thought of in awhile. Another way to see if you have bitterness or unforgiveness toward someone is this: Is there anyone that when you hear their name you get all worked up? Or how about this? Is there someone that when you hear that they have had a huge blessing it just irks the daylights out of you? There is probably something in your heart towards them. Did they betray you? Did they hurt you? Did they promise you something and didn’t come through? Whatever it is, you need to forgive to have a clean line between you and Almighty God! Get it right!! There is still two days till the fast…get it right!!I heard it said once, “Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die!” Yes, unforgiveness holds us in prison and does really nothing to the other person. What a waste of valuable time!! Many have been hurt deeply by spouses, parents, siblings, friends, employers, neighbors, and even pastors!! But holding unforgiveness is just as much a sin as whatever they did to you. Christ says that unless we forgive others He can’t forgive us. That’s huge!! For those who want a more indepth look at fasting….in the comments regarding the fast, Beccy suggested Campus Crusade’s guide for fasting which can be found here. It is very comprehensive and would help anyone who is wondering all about it. Tomorrow I will give some brief thoughts about Monday’s fast. It is not too late to tell friends, prayer groups and family about Cindy and what a group of radical people are going to do to see her healed.
I have been meaning to post this comment. But count me in Miss Linn. I'd love to pray and fast for your bloggy friend with TONS of kids and her fun family! God bless you for calling all people to come together on her behalf. The verse… from Acts 2 sticks out to me always… "they had EVERYTHING in common". As believers and the family of Christ… we DO have it all in common. And prayer and reading the word is one of the most powerful things we can do. And watch God do is awesome mountain moving, awe inspiring things. Peace! Lv, jen
Oh….I just read Matthew 5:23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Time for reconciliation! Thank you for this gentle reminder….
And Happy Birthday Emma! I love your bike! I have a baby blue one like it. FUN!
Love,
Laine
Oh Linny–I am so excited to see how the Father is going to use our time of fasting as a group of woman! I am standing with you and trusting for signs and wonders!
Hi Linn,
I've been meaning to comment before too but hadn't-but count me in for Monday. thank you for sharing this with us all.
Kathy (in Australia)
I can't wait to see what our Lord is going to do through this fast. I know it's going to be nothing but good!!
Thank you Linny for listening and opening this up for all of us to participate. Awesome!!
I don't remember if I posted the other day or not…I would also like to pray and fast for Cindy. I'm not sure if I can fast the entire day or not due to some medicine I'm taking, but I will fast during at least one or two meals. Praying God pours down His blessings on this family when His children pray!
Suzette
I'm in too, from Santa Claus, Indiana.
Linny,
You can count me in tomorrow! I gind it a honor to spend the day in prayer and fasting for your sweet friend…I myself am a cancer survior, I know that the road she is on is a rough one!!! Please keep us posted on how she is doing!
Linny,
Chris and I are both in! I am new to fasting, but I can't help but seek our LORD on Cindy's behalf. I am excited to see what He will do for Cindy and each of us who have committed to fasting and prayer.
Thank you for being obedient to what the LORD tells you to share. It is uplifting to all of us.
Sabrina (way down in South GA)