By Artrell Coker
I am going through this fast and I have been hearing from the Lord. I have been strengthened in my spirit as I put my flesh under subjection! Last night, I couldn't stop thinking about what I would eat today. It actually irritated me pretty badly. I asked the Lord if I should continue through the fast. I didn't know if I had received an answer, but I do know the Lord continues to sustain me. Bless his holy name! My Spirit has been so sensitive to Him over the last few days. I’ve even gotten confirmation over some things The Lord has shared with me.
This morning when I woke up, I believe I was hearing the Lord speak, but I didn't record it like He usually has me do. But as I wondered about my question from last night, and wondered what I should read and meditate on this morning, I came to grab one of my discipleship study books (by the leading of the Spirit) and went to my last homework assignment in the book. I was pleased to discover a few of the scriptures listed on the final assignment were things the Lord had led me to during my fasting. This morning, I grabbed one of the remaining scriptures on the list and was met immediately by the Lord.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
1 Corinthians 10:13:
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."
I felt like after reading these scriptures, I was convicted and convinced to continue my fast another day. I originally thought many days ahead, but the Lord has been teaching me to take this one day at a time.
Lord, you have given me this great race to run. You have offered me an eternal crown. How you honor me with such an opportunity. Lord, forgive me for when I run lackadaisically like I'm not competing to win. Forgive me for not taking training for my battles seriously. I want to run the way Paul describes those who win the eternal crown. Help me, Holy Spirit, not only by teaching me, but by giving me the strength to push through when I am tempted to quit. From the power of man, I am unable, but by your power, I can do all things.
As I sit here during my quiet time with you, Lord, my mind Is bombarded with my compounding troubles — All things I know that I put myself years ago into looking to handle things on my own that failed and now I must pay the consequence for.
I should have never gotten a car note; forgive me. I should have never gotten "Worldly Wisemen's” Business Accelerator Gold package; forgive me. I should have never gotten his Marketing-Done-for-You package; forgive me. These debts I've accumulated in attempts to get ahead in life are a constant trouble at this time that I feel like I can do nothing about. But, I also believe it is discipline for moving on things without your say so, Lord. I know your word tells me that your chastisement is discipline to train me up in righteousness, but I don't want to be on punishment for these things anymore, Daddy! I don't want to move outside of your will anymore! Help me, Holy Spirit, to please the Father. And, Lord God, please, pour a double portion of your mercy on me! I beg you, God! Show me THE WAY of escape in these areas.
When I reflect on my life and the way you have been providing for me, gifting me a car, and having just enough money in my account to cover my bills without needing to borrow or ask from others, I see your mercy. I don't know what to do about these bill collectors though. How should I move forward, Lord? Show me, please. I’m so over every time they call or text me; it attempts to suck away my joy. I have to remember that this joy that I have the world didn't give it, so the world can’t take it away. I have to remember how the Lord met me in my quiet time with the scriptures from 1 Corinthians. I have to remember how he gifted me with a car and just enough money in the bank to pay my bills. I have to remember that the Lord is faithful, and so do you. When you find yourself on the verge of despair, know that this fast will help you in times of weakness. He has done it time and time again, and He will do it again.