“When the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally.” Deuteronomy 7:2
A dear friend and coworker of mine sat near me as I shared my heart and struggle with the mental health journey I had been facing. As I poured my heart out, she spoke softly and said, “There are certain times in the Bible when we are called to prayer and fasting; have you thought maybe this is one of those times?” I sat there and pondered what she had said, but I wasn’t willing to give it up (I am like the girl in a Snickers commercial, haha).
Months went by and I continued to struggle or even give what she had said another thought, until one night I was praying and her words were bolded in my mind. I knew they weren’t just her words anymore, and never were, but out of my own comfort I didn’t want to do that the first time. This time felt clear, urgent and necessary. I began my three-day fast, praying and asking God to help deliver me from the tormenting thoughts I had been having for months upon months.
After three days I broke my fast. A week later I noticed that the thoughts were quiet, barely present, and as time went on, I noticed the freedom I felt. My mind begged the question, “What were you waiting for? Why didn’t you listen months before?” God’s grace was sufficient, and I still was able to experience the deliverance he had offered me months before, but what could I have accomplished had I been obedient the first time?
Questions for reflection:
- Have you ever experienced a time where you wish you would have listened to wise council the first time?
- What things of this world do you hold onto for your own comfort that God could be calling you to totally let go of?