Fasting and Testing

Sean and I recently went through an extended time of prayer and fasting to seek God's guidance for Kenya. This period was the longest either of us had ever fasted before. From past experience I was kind of expecting that God was going to speak to us either during the fast or directly after, if not both. But I'm learning that God doesn't always do what we expect Him to! During our fast, a friend of mine shared how she had done an 8 day fast and instead of seeing breakthrough, she actually ended up in a really intense situation.

Well, guess what? That is what ended up being the case with us as well. A week into the fast, something happened that basically pulled the proverbial rug right out from underneath our feet. I can't share the situation, but I can tell you that we endured a week of feeling as if our world had been turned upside down. In the flesh, we were confused~but knowing that God is not the author of confusion we submitted ourselves to His will and sought Him fervently for resolution to our dilemma. In the process, I felt as if I was dying. This was actually a direct answer to my recent prayers that God would help me to completely die to my self so that He might live through me.

We pray these things, friends, and we really have no idea what we are asking for! He will answer, but it will be in ways we never imagined. After a fiery trial of 7 days we received an answer of peace from our Father, and oh what sweet relief! He is so faithful. I can honestly say that I am thankful for this experience and that I trust He knows just what we need. We are learning that as much as we think we have surrendered all, there are still things that need to go on that altar of sacrifice. He is teaching us that we must find in HIM ALONE our all in all. Father truly knows best!

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10