Set Aside

"Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” (Jnh 3:9)


I have said it out loud a few times and I don't think I am wrong in my thinking.  I do believe I am hearing God correctly.  God's purpose for my Daniel Fast is to work His grace in others' lives who are around me.  In the two weeks of this fast so far I can recount four stories where God has acted.


The second day of the fast I received a call from I colleague I know in professional music. Our relationship has only been a year long and it's been strictly professional.  I wouldn't say we were friends.  However that changed.  He opened up to me deep about some things in his life. I felt privileged  and honored.  I prayed with him over the phone.  The last time I saw him he hugged me.  Our relationship is now deeper and more like friendship.


I have a project for church that is not funded. I got one person to give me a major donation to support the project.  I was speechless.  That was the first week


This week one of my friends experienced a major breakthrough in his marriage.  He said they had grown apart with child rearing, but one day while celebrating the Lord's Supper at church, he felt and she felt an overwhelming love for one another.  It has changed everything.  They are now experiencing a new romance, a second honeymoon.


And just yesterday one of my friends had a breakthrough in his consulting career.  He opened up an account that he had not previously been able to penetrate.  It can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship for both he and his potential client.


Wow! And it's only the first two weeks of the fast!  I am blown away by God's activity.  It makes me want to pray all the more for my friends, family, and church.  


Jonah preached to Nineveh to repent for God had decided to destroy the sinful city. The king of Nineveh ordered a decree for all to fast and weep in sorrow in sackcloth and ashes in response to the the prophet's warning.  It was a sign of their desire to turn from their tyrannical ways and turn to God.
He hoped that God might take notice and relent of the destruction He had planned for the Ninevites.  


God did show mercy because of the fast and the repentant hearts. And a prophet of Israel learned a lesson about God's compassion for all people, not just Israelites.


So I too continue my fast in earnest and I pray for family friends and the church and this world.  Who knows what God will do? Perhaps He'll take notice!  I quake at the thought of knowing He is without a doubt noticing, listening and moving powerfully in the lives of those around me.  I feel humbled and honored and blessed to serve His compassionate will in this way.


Lord, Thank you for answering my prayer. I am glad to know what You want from this fast.  I set myself aside for You and all You want to do for others.  Work Your wonderful will.  I join You and am amazed.  Amen