It’s
only day five and for many of us, the easy part is over. The first few days of
a fast are pretty much a breeze, but after the first couple of days BAM! The
cravings will start to kick in and what was not a temptation on
Monday-Wednesday might just be today.
This
week (Thursday & Friday), I’m attending a conference for 2 days in
Baltimore. Everyone knows that Baltimore is my childhood home. MD blue crabs
surround me, fried chicken is everywhere, snowballs on every corner, and I’m
not far from those fresh snicker-doodles at Lexington Market. This is more than
the average person could handle. Additionally, I had to listen to the sinister
voice of my craving sub consciousness saying, “No one here knows you are on a
fast! You can relax the standard this one time.” The struggle was on me yesterday!
What
triggered my cravings? Smelling, seeing and sensing the presence of those
things I have committed to sacrifice. I had to fight those psychological urges
and remind myself that if I surrender, it is a demonstration that I love my
flesh more than I love my cause. I told myself, "Leonard, you can't
surrender to the cravings and remain surrendered to your cause."
So
guess what happened? Even though the struggle was on, I remained surrendered to
the cause and so can you!
Stay Strong!
Spirit vs. Flesh
ReplyDeleteAppetite vs. Purpose, A real battle, because the appetite is super strong! Can't play games in this fight, got to employ our spiritual weapons to include prayer and the word.
This time the score will be Spirit 1, Flesh 0
Stay strong!
OMG Pastor thanks so much for writing this! I have had an urge for some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies since Wednesday. And at the grocery store today, I had to work pass the aroma of chicken wingets and all those other delicious foods that make my mouth water! I've even contemplated stopping the fast after seven days just so I can go back to the normal eating habits...
ReplyDeleteTo see that you are struggling too helps me to remain steadfast on denying my flesh and stay the course! The corporate prayers have been very helpful and I look forward to calling in on a regular basis. I've even memorized the number and code!
I'm committed to the cause!
I have been on a road trip since Wednesday afternoon. Normally when I go on a road trip I stock up on road trip food -- potato chips, snicker'sbars, M&M's, Oreos, cashews, peanuts ... I'm sure you get the idea. This time, I brought cherries, plums, nectarines, strawberries, bananas, grapes and carrots. Wasnt sure if I was gonna have to make a stop at a Walmart on the Interstate! Was tempted, but I prevailed! Told the devil to get out of my face. Man, all that fruit was delicious, for real!
ReplyDeleteI feel you Pastor! Those senses can really influence you! I went to an all-you-can-eat buffet to pick up a carryout plate for one of my seniors...she loves those hot-wings! When I got to her home, I knew her pattern of wanting me to sit down and eat some of those wings with her...but I was smart! Before I got out of my car, I reached in my lunch bag and grabbed whatever I had left..a large, red, juicy, and cold apple! I love a good apple! We sat directly across from each other, and I enjoyed my apple as she enjoyed her wings!
ReplyDeleteI am taking a family trip beginning on Thursday. It will truly be a challenge but I know I will prevail through the temptations. I'm getting stronger every day!
ReplyDelete