Sugar Cookie

I opened the refrigerator to put something away. Next thing I know I am opening up the plastic container of yellow sugar cookies. As my finger touches a cookie, I remember that I am fasting. I did not aniticipate confronting my self-serving in sugary dough.

I am fasting on Wednesdays for the next few weeks to seek the LORD. I felt it was what the LORD called me to do to seek him and rely upon him. I am asking the LORD to lead me and help me see opportunties for sharing the Gospel. I am fasting to push aside the distractions which keep me from focusing, from listening. I am fasting as I ask the LORD for breakthroughs – how I can be more in tune with His will.

A sugar cookie is simple food. How does a mere cookie represent my self-serving desires?  If I can’t control myself when it comes to a sguar cookie, how will I control myself when it comes to a whole meal?  If I cannot resist a meal, then how will I resist the desires that are careening through my mind and soul all the time? How can I let the LORD lead me if my self-serving desires, whether for food or sleep, for success or acclaim, for comfort or entertainment, take center stage?

Fasting is not about denial or deprivation. It is about delineation. It is about delineating or marking off a focus for God. It is about pushing aside the multitude of human cravings that interfere with my connection with God.

So, sugar cookies will wait. I am seeking a sweeter satisfaction.