Freed to Follow

Remember Bill Murray in Groundhog Day?
The guy’s stuck repeating the same exact day over and over.
When we sign up for dance class, it’s repeatedly February 2nd.
Nothing ever changes.

We go. We learn.
Alone, I do ok. When coupled, it’s altogether different.
I’m told the male must lead,
but to lead is to know something
about what you’re doing and where you’re going.
We go home. I practice, she doesn’t.
Wanting to impress her, I practice more.
Behind closed doors, in the kitchen, even in the shower.
We return. Paired with the instructor, she graces the floor;
when with me, not so much.

Of course, she’s to blame.
If she weren’t so stunning,
I might be able focus, maybe even lead.
Though she laughs, I don’t think she buys it.

I haven’t asked, but I’m sure my wife would enjoy dancing with someone who could actually lead. A skilled leader can make all the difference in the world. Make no mistake; if the guide is inept the woman’s experience will be qualitatively different.

With whom do we dance?
Is He any good at leading?

Herein is one privilege of living faith: we are led by His hand. In turn, I would suggest that the quality of fasting hinges upon our ability to sense and follow divine leading. Without leading, purposelessness is fostered; our susceptibility to self-righteousness and vain repetition is increased. Without interpersonal dialogue with God, we make it through the fast thinking, “is this it, what now?”

In fasting we grow increasingly receptive to His governing hand, the hand that orders and inspires specific prayers. Whatever the situation may be, healing or otherwise, there must be a sense where we seek to hear before we are heard. From this posture, we will often be led into greater clarity as we begin to sense the divine rhythm that dictates the various situations we encounter. Consider these verses as each deal with the idea of being led:

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“…having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia…they were trying to go into Bithynia and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. Having come down to Troas a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, “Come help us.”

“My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Thy will be done.”

“(elders) Do not lay hands upon anyone to hastily and thus share responsibility for the sins of others.”

In summarizing the aforementioned passages I’d use the word ‘sensitivity’. Each highlights the matter of being sensitive to God’s movement, of being led by God’s hand into the Divine Will. And while the selected texts do not directly mention fasting, they certainly capture the primary principle intended by the fast: increased awareness to God’s governing hand.[1]

What can we expect? Expect freedom to follow wherever He may lead. Through traditional and creative means, expect divine impressions. Be attuned, accustomed to actually hearing from God. Is He leading you to fast and pray for a particular healing? Are you prepared to follow? Do we actually think God may in fact reveal His will within a particular situation?

Our spiritual vitality hinges upon our ability to listen for God's leading. Within the various contexts of life, can we be characterized as attentive listeners? Do people experience you as one who consistenly demonstrate the quliaties of a good listener?

If sitting with His silence, continue to be attentive while praying fervently for the situation. Unlike Job, don’t grow blind by entitlement. Allow fasting to heighten your sensitivity, embolden your faith, and energize your prayers. Envision yourself before the throne of grace, an heir sharing concerns and allowing your deepest desires to be shaped by His grace. And whatever the course, be comforted by His love knowing your efforts will be blessed.[2]

Grace and Peace
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[1] In his prayer for healing Paul experienced divine leading (2 Corinthians 12). When considering the context for apostolic ministry, divine leading (Acts 16). Jesus while knowing His predetermined course actively submitted to divine leading (Matthew 26:36). Similarly, Paul exhorts the elders to wait for the Spirit’s leading lest they pray carelessly (I Timothy 5:22). Again, Paul calls all believers to pray in step with the Spirit’s movements (Ephesians 6:18).

[2] My intent was not to offer an exhaustive dissertation on the issue of situational fasts; the goal was simply to take the events of the last 14 months and begin putting them into a coherent account. I do realize that there are many competing voices concerning this issue, I’m certain I’ve left out ideas or passages that may enhance or challenge certain aspects of my writings. Certainly, there are circles within Christendom that shudder at the notion of God’s “creative means” within revelation; others cringe at the idea of listening for His Will before speaking our own. And while my ongoing dialogue with the various subcultures will continue, I’ll say this with conviction: the spectrum is replete with misunderstanding, caricatures, and proof texts. Some expect silence from God because that’s all they’ve ever sought. In their faithlessness and sloth, they remain locked behind theological constructs that were intended for freedom unto faith. Some ignorantly make bold declarations without giving thought to the deeper blessings of persecution and suffering. Some surrender divine power; others are under delusion by it. Some wait longingly for the kingdom to come, others act as if it were here in entirety. But no matter, may His grace continue to sustain and shape us from glory to glory and as always feel free to email or post insights, questions, or meaningful passages.