Breaking the Fast...

This evening I will eat with my family for the first time since last Saturday evening.  I intended to make this week of fasting a "modified" fast in that I would eat some fruit for breakfast and some fruit and vegetables for dinner each night, but God had something else in mind.  Instead, I drank only water and a little juice each day.  Yesterday and today, I did add some almonds to give me a little energy, and I ate a banana yesterday, but I sensed that God wanted me relying on Him for strength, and while the week has had its ups and downs (as does every week!) from a standpoint of the events that took place, this was one of the most powerful weeks of my life from in the sense of God's strength being with me in my weakness.  I thought many times this week, particularly in the last several days as my physical strength became less, of how my strength truly is in the Lord.  A number of situations came up through the week that took me out of my "plan" for the week, and I didn't get several important things accomplished that I planned to do, but God used me in the unexpected events that took their place in powerful ways.  I don't mean to seem so nebulous, but sometimes pastors must be discreet, because ministry takes us into situations that are not for sharing with everyone.  God empowered me to offer counsel this week in several cases that I had not planned to be involved.  The challenge is to know when God is calling us to set aside our plans, which we have made in an effort to serve Him, and to participate in His greater plan.  It's a challenge because sometimes the "diversions" from our plans are just that--diversions.  At other times they are God's plan.  Discernment is necessary, and thankfully during times of fasting discernment typically grows, because we are more focused on God and His purposes in our lives.  I look forward to the meal with Nancy, Emmy and Emmy's friend, Rachel, this evening, but I have enjoyed feasting on God's strength in my time of fasting and weakness these past seven days.  I pray that for all of you who also fasted during this past week that God has worked in you in powerful ways as well!