Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. –1 Corinthians 15:58

I don’t like to fast. I like to eat, and I like to eat till my heart’s content. When Pastor Benjamin called this 50 day fast, I hesitated, thinking “50 days?? I can barely last 50 minutes without wanting to snack on something!” Needless to say, I jumped on board on a Daniel Fast, and I’m glad I did.

It’s been 26 days since I’ve had meat, and I’m surprised that I’m not craving it as much as I thought I would be. My body has been getting used to eating more fruits and vegetables, and I’m noticing that I’m less groggy and less weighed down. This, however, had been not without temptation.

A couple weeks ago I was at a birthday party, and the table was filled with every single type of cooked chicken you can imagine: teriyaki, fried, orange chicken, sweet & sour, etc. To make it worse, the birthday celebrant is a new member to our church, and the host family is the same family I have been leading small group with for the past three weeks. “Oh that’s right, you’re fasting,” she said. “You can make an exception for today though, can’t you? There’s grace, right?”

Yes, there’s grace. There’s always grace.

I looked at the chicken, sighed, then looked away. I could have played the “exception” card, but I didn’t. I’m a leader, these are new members, and I must lead by example. I’m abstaining from eating meat not primarily for health reasons (although it is healthier not to), but because ISIS is running rampant in Iraq, little children are being beheaded, and news reporters are being beheaded.

We are praying for souls. We are praying for rain. We are praying for a new building.

I turned from the chicken and I opted for the biscuits and fries instead.

Today, we are halfway through our 50 day fast. Whether you are just starting today, or have been faithful from day one, I stand with Paul, encouraging you to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.