21 Days of FB Fast

At the conclusion of my last blog post I indicated that I would spend some time in prayer to decide what I would give up during the next 21 days. This period is meant to be a time of sanctification in anticipation that God is getting ready to move in my current work/life situation.

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5

My family and I are eager to know what direction God is taking us. We have felt strongly since January that the events of the last year were designed to prepare us for "something"...we just weren't sure what. I've had numerous people speak that over my situation which only confirms it for me.  Although some would describe my current situation as 'captivity', that is a worldly view. A spiritual perspective would frame the events as God's way of actually setting me free from things that have held me captive; I can testify this is absolutely the case as I have relied upon him instead of things, possessions, or people to get me through this season of life. I can absolutely say without a doubt that I have no desire to go back "to the way things were" prior to February 4th, 2011. I'm ready for something new. I'm ready for what God has planned for me and this time of preparation is so that he will reveal it to us.

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." Isaiah 42:9

To be able to hear God's voice, I decided it was important to eliminate distractions or inputs that frankly have begun to take up too much of my thoughts and energies. So, for the next 21 days I am not going to log on to Facebook at all. People who really mean something to me or care about me will contact me 'the old fashioned' way. Sometimes when there are too many voices, God's voice can get drowned out. Eliminating the chatter, can help you focus on the only the voice that matters. Remember, when the Israelites were sent to scope out their promised land, only 2 of the 10 came back with the report that God intended. The others did not speak God's promises over their situation. At the time of the Exodus from Egypt, it was estimated that the nation of Israel was about 2,000,000 people. That means only 1 in a million held onto God's promises and were willing to go in and claim their promised land. That's the type of believer I want to be. I'm ready to leave Egypt, cross my Jordan, and take possession of some new land. For the next 21 days I will be getting ready to see God's favor work itself out. Of course, I'll keep you posted.

What's Next, God?

This week was homecoming at my sons' school, Rocky Bayou Christian School. First I just have to say that I just love their school! Both boys have been there since they were 4 years old and their education at RBCS has definitely added to the foundation for life that we have striven to achieve in our family. I was particularly emotional about the whole event because Cameron was on the homecoming court as one of the freshman representatives. The reality of just how much he has grown really struck me as I stared at the person who was once a baby I rocked to sleep and now standing before me as a handsome young man. It's amazing how transformation takes place in individuals. So slow and yet so fast, at the same time.
One of the things that really struck me occurred at the presentation of the Court on dance night. Each member of the court was introduced and a short biography was read about them. So many of the young people in front of me were obviously talented young men and women with their whole lives in front of them. Yet, so many of them when their biographies were read said that their plans were all dependent upon where Jesus would send them. Yes they had aspirations, but so many said that those aspirations were only meaningful if they fit into God's plan for their lives. These weren't just trite little quotes to meet some unspoken Christian school expectation; the listener knew, they meant it.  In that moment, I was a little jealous. Oh, how different my life might have been had I had such wisdom at 16 years of age! The very lesson that God is teaching me right now, some of these young people have already mastered!

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Prov  16:9
"I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps." Jer 10:23

Greg and I have been struggling a little with what comes next for us. Life since January has been a big transformation both for us and within us; this only confirms for us in our souls that it is part of God's plan for our lives. We know in our hearts that we are being prepared for something, but we just don't know what. Initially we struggled with really trusting that God was in control of this whole situation. We have fully come to that understanding. One lesson/outcome of the last few months is that I truly am relying on God every day for my hope and have put down a lot of the idols that I once turned to for comfort.  Last night, however,  I expressed my frustration with the fact that the Lord has not told us where he is leading us. I even cried a few tears over it. Sure enough, the message at church today was EXACTLY on this topic. (Again, the Lord confirmed we are in the spiritual house he wants us in right now). Pastor Steve told us that if you are asking the question, "What's next, Lord?" in your life, you have to seek the Holy Spirit to tell you. He wants you to know his plans for you; they are not a big celestial secret. Crossing your Jordan River into the land God has for you takes a few preparations on our part.
----Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.  After three days the officers went throughout the camp,  giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.  Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”----Joshua 3:3-5

It was made clear to us, that what God is preparing us for will be obvious to us when we see God move in our lives. It won't be by our efforts, but something that only comes from him. It will be something NEW, that we have never done before. And we have to prepare ourselves in order to see his wonder.
Pastor Steve asked us to ask the Holy Spirit how we should sanctify ourselves in preparation. Specifically, what should we get rid of that will hinder our ability to hear from the Lord. For 21 days, we are to set ourselves apart and be ready. This afternoon I will be spending some time in prayer to determine what should be let go; I am so ready to see God's wonder work itself in this situation.