Daniel Fast (Day Twelve - Exposed)

Lately I've been looking at this fast as more of a duty that I can't wait to be over, rather than a privilege I never want to end. When I began I was so excited about having an opportunity to spend 21 days walking so closely with the Lord. I thought of Central Asia and how I had to rely on the Holy Spirit and my time with the Lord just to get through the day. I wanted the intimacy I felt with Him while there. What I forgot about was how painful that journey was and it wasn't all flowery. It was a constant battle. The past twelve days have been a battle. Some days I put on the armor of God and fight. Sadly, other days I give up before I get out of bed. But no matter what my attitude is, I take confidence in the fact that I can never be defeated with Christ.

This battle takes perseverence and the right attitude. I admit that lately I have had a very sour attitude towards this time. It's evident in many areas. I've not been relying on the Spirit, but my own strength when it gets tough. I've never truly felt abandoned by God, because my faith simply will not allow me. But I can relate to the feeling those who have felt that way experience. I know that it's actually the opposite though. It's because we abandon God. I haven't been seeking Him faithfully.

What is it that is robbing me from pursuing Christ as I should? I could name off several things. But there is only one word to sum it up. SIN. It's an ugly word that we don't like to use. So instead we call it distraction, lack of time, temptation, selfishness, peer pressure, or simply no desire. In reality, those are all the same in God's eyes. SIN.

Hebrews 4:13 says, And no creature is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.

When this verse was presented to me last night I automatically thought of those who I know have hidden their sin and betrayed those I am close to. It didn't take very long for God to pull at my heart and say, Hey you are just as guilty! Although my actions and thoughts may not be as obvious or exposed, or in my head as extreme, there is nothing that is not manifest in His sight. There is no being who is not wholly known to God. And when you put it that way, one can react in two ways. Either in fear because they are disobedient and convicted of the sin they are hiding, or they are comforted by the fact they don't have to (and can't) keep things from God.

Who would wish the world to read all their thoughts and feelings for a single day? Who would wish their best friend to look in upon their naked soul as one looks into a room through a window? Not I. And yet God already does. He reads every thought; sees every feeling; looks through the entire soul. How careful should we be to keep our hearts pure; how anxious that there should be nothing in the soul we aren't willing to have known!

Our account; our reckoning is to be with Him before all is naked and open. We cannot, therefore, impose on Him. We cannot pass off hypocrisy for sincerity. He will judge us according to truth, not according to appearances; and his sentence will be just. A man who is to be tried by one "who knows all about him," should be a pure and holy man.

I want to strive to live a lifestyle that causes me to react with a thankful heart to God's all knowing power. God understands our thoughts, feelings, and plans distinctly. When I don't understand myself and my girlfriends can't offer me any clarity on my craziness, God can. He knows how I am feeling about this fast. He knows the sinful thoughts I have. He knows the emptiness and weak areas of my heart. He knows I have been unfaithful to Him. He knows I have been disobedient. He knows I haven't had the best attitude. He wants me to seek Him with all my sin and be exposed - and forgiven! The truth of verse 13 is then followed with grace in verses 14-16,

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

All that I have ever felt and ever will, He has experienced and been tempted by. Yet He is perfect and without sin. There is nobody else who has experienced all and overcome all. I need Him to know and I need His mercy and grace. This is my prayer.

If you’re broken, and falling down.
If your sin, has got you bound.
Bow your head, put your knees on the ground
And call to God. Call out to God.

Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Find mercy, find mercy.
Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Find mercy, find mercy, and grace.

If you’re empty, don’t care anymore.
If your everything just walked out the door.
Bow your head, put your knees on the floor
And call to God.  Call out to God.

Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Find mercy, find mercy.
Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Find mercy, find mercy, and grace.

You’ll find mercy, you’ll find love.
You’ll find grace flowing down from above.
Jesus know right where you are.
And he’ll walk with you right through the fire.
Yes, Jesus is there in your fire.

If you’re broken, and falling down.
If you’re empty, or sin has you bound.
Bow your head, put your knees on the ground.
And call to God.  Call out to God.

Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Find mercy, find mercy.
Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Find mercy, find mercy, and grace.

words & music by Jimmy Workman, © 2007
based on Hebrews 4:14-16