The Most Amazing Place We Can Stand

In my lifetime I’ve stood in some interesting and amazing places: At the foot of Clingman’s Dome in Yosemite National Park, on an ancient mosaic floor in the Vatican, and on top of the Rock of Gibraltar. 

I’ve stood in hushed gratitude at the foot of each of my children’s cribs, stood in no small amount of pride at both of our sons’ military graduations, and stood in sober heartbreak next to the hospital bed of my friend’s dying husband.

I’ve stood at my kitchen sink washing countless dishes, stood at church singing countless worship songs, and stood on the hot summer asphalt in amazement when the name of Jesus stopped a loose pit bull from attacking me and my dog.

As a child I stood in filth, I stood in chaos, I stood staring into an empty refrigerator, and I stood in frightening insecurity.

I’ve stood and believed God even when all looked lost, stood up to the enemy’s lies, and stood for what is true and right in a morally corrupt world.

But until recently, I never truly comprehended where my faith allows me to stand. It’s not something I’ve pondered. So when I recently read this section of Scripture, my heart was flat blown away.

Because in all honesty I don’t come from a place of privilege. I come from the exact opposite place—a place of neglect. And though I’ve walked with the Lord for many years now, I’ve never seen this particular verse in the context framed for me by God’s Spirit on this particular day.

God’s Word declared—loud and clear—that I stand in a mind-blowing place of undeserved privilege.

And so do you.

Here’s the verse:

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (Romans 5:1-2)

Because of our faith, Jesus Himself escorts us into a place of undeserved privilege. Isn’t that amazing? Jaw dropping? Glorious?

Say it out loud: I stand in a place of undeserved privilege!

When we stand in undeserved privilege we stand in God’s security, His strength, and His victory. We stand confidently looking forward to the day we will see Him face to face. We stand knowing we are truly known, accepted, loved, and cherished. We stand without wavering because He enables us. And we stand knowing who we really are in Christ because we believe His Word.

Wherever you have stood over the years, and wherever you currently stand, know this: If you are a woman of faith, Christ has brought YOU into this place of undeserved privilege.

It’s the most amazing place we can stand.

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What I Learned On A 21-Day Daniel Fast

This summer I’m highlighting some of my most popular blog posts. Enjoy!

I recently participated in a church-wide fast. Typically my church engages in a 3-day full fast (no food at all for those who wish to participate and are medically able) every year in January. But this year the leadership felt we needed to change things up.

A Daniel Fast restricts you to eating only fruits, vegetables and (for some people) whole grains. No meat, no dairy or animal products, no sweeteners (although some people use honey, maple syrup or stevia, I felt led to abstain), and no baked goods. (Did I mention no chocolate?)

It's based on the book of Daniel, chapter 10, if you're curious.

Although I have fasted throughout the years, it remains difficult for me, because fasting always stirs up deep memories of painful hunger from my childhood. In that respect, this time was easier because I could eat as many fruits and veggies as I wanted. I particularly liked the longevity of this fast. It wasn't a simple 3-day thing. It was a persevering thing. It was a learning to deny myself thing. It was a get in God's face thing.

On this fast, I learned:

1. I reach out for food far more than I reach out for Jesus. This revelation floored me. Yes, God designed us to require food, but I noticed how often I absentmindedly reached for some morsel just to have something in my mouth. I'm amazed at the number of times I think about food. Good grief. God, help me desire you more than any earthly thing...even things that I truly need!

2. I can pray far more often. I profess to be a woman of prayer, but this fast taught me to pray even more. Every time I craved chocolate (or any forbidden food), I'd pray instead, and let me just say, I prayed constantly. If only my prayers were as continual as my cravings. Lord, help me to pray without ceasing!

3. A fast is warfare. I encountered an incredible amount of opposition from the enemy, particularly in my emotions. At times it felt like I was walking blindly forward in a raging blizzard, with a frozen, tear-stained scarf stuck to my cheeks. God tries our emotions (Psalm 7:9, "for You, Who try the hearts and emotions and thinking powers, are a righteous God.") Healing is a process, so I cry out, God, continue to heal my heart and emotions!

4. A fast is powerful. I've already begun seeing breakthrough in specific areas for which I prayed. But I'm expecting much more throughout this year.

5. To stop complaining--even in my thoughts. Let's face it, America has more food than most of the world. I felt chastised for even allowing myself to inwardly grumble about yet more veggies when so many others have so much less. We are incredibly blessed, and although I always thank God for my food, I felt a deeper sense of appreciation--and a reluctance to complain about eating beans for dinner again. Help me to cultivate a grateful heart, Lord!

6. The amount of sin still in my own heart. Fasting opens our eyes about ourselves like nothing else. Our hearts become tender and more acutely aware of God's still, small voice. That's a good thing. It's layer by layer that He reveals the truth to us, and it's truth we need to face, confess, and be free of. It's the truth that makes us free. (John 8:32) Thank you, Lord, for ever increasing freedom.

7. A fast is about trading the temporal for the eternal. When we willingly give up something we desire (lasagna and chocolate lava cake) for something we yearn to desire far more (Jesus), I believe it grabs God's attention. Yes, I gave up my favorite foods for three weeks. But in return, I touched God's heart in a powerful way--and He touched mine.

I'm still processing everything I experienced in this fast, but I believe God accomplished great things, and I'm excited about what He has in store for me and my family.

How about you? Have you ever participated in a fast? What did you learn from it?

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