Where Do We Go From Here?

Would you believe me if I told you eight years ago my life looked completely different than it did now?

I grew up in the entertainment industry singing, dancing, and acting, and so, naturally, I thought that’s where I’d end up. I still love singing and taking an occasional dance class with some of our church staff but, when I rededicated my life to Christ, I had no idea what God was calling me to do. I prayed and prayed that God would reveal His plans for my life, because I so desperately wanted to be in alignment with who He was calling me to be. I took a look at my life and thought, “This can’t be it,” but hadn’t a clue what my next steps should be.

So I went to an advisor and shared my frustration with them. I cried to them and said, “I just want to know what God wants me to do with my life. I feel like I’m working these jobs, none of which I’m particularly passionate about. I need some answers.” That advisor then challenged me to take on a new spiritual rhythm called fasting.

When I put this spiritual discipline into practice, my life changed significantly.

Not only did I get clarity on the answers I was seeking God for, but I felt God so tangibly in my life. It was in my fasting that God revealed to me what I am doing right now: counseling and leading others into emotional and spiritual growth in the Lord.

Maybe you think about fasting and it sounds slightly intimidating. Maybe you can’t even imagine giving up food or anything else for a long period of time. Well, fasting is defined as giving up something physical to heighten the awareness of the spiritual. Don’t know what to fast? Pray about it and honestly ask yourself what is taking the place of your time with God. Is it social media? TV? Are you binging your favorite Netflix series? Are you choosing time with friends over time with God?

Listen, anything we put above God is an idol in our lives. I’ll say that again… anything we put above God is an idol in our lives.

Fasting is a spiritual rhythm that God desires us all to take part in. We see this example throughout Scripture. In Matthew 4:1-4, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness:

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

You see, Family, God is our strength when we are weak. And to hear from God, we need to make room for Him. If you’re new to fasting, start small. Maybe one meal out of your day. Maybe a day of no social media to read more Scripture. Maybe no Netflix to worship God at home. Find the thing that seems to be getting in between you and God and give it up for a period of time. Replace that time with devotion, worship and prayer. And watch how God transforms your life!

May this week be one of clarity, truth, and love from the Father.

Som Tami

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