abandoning doubt...

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for the disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward in full! But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your father who is unseen;
and your father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
[Matthew 6:16-18]

This is how life works sometimes:

You feel God calling you to do something
You start to do it
You have to deal with the people of the Everyday asking for an explanation.


I look back to when I fasted, for just a day, earlier this summer. I told a friend that I was going to do it, and he questioned--no, he drilled me, about how stupid that was. Trying to defend myself tired me out!!!!

And now here I am, on a new mission of faith...I took the first step, and I am being TRAMPLED by people asking how I could possibly take such a huge risk. I've been saying, "I just want to." They try to give me advise, and change my mind.

I'm getting tired already, and filled with doubt.

But that's stupid! If I had been fasting and someone said, "This is stupid, have a cookie." Would I take the cookie or would I wash my face and sit quietly with God?


My joy is restored!