Fasting Practice and an All Clear

I lead a small group at church (still at Summit, love that we have roots!) We've been trading off between studying books of the Bible using the Inductive Bible Study method (using Precept.Org materials) and doing the practices from PracticingtheWay.org.

We are currently doing the Fasting Practice.  Last week, I successfully fasted (which in Biblical terms is just from food, and sometimes water) on Wednesday.  I worked all day so didn't have much time for prayer and reflection.  Then commited to Wednesday as being my consistent day during the study with the intent to schedule prayer time and reflection.  That's today.  And I forgot.

I made coffee this morning (which would be fine if I liked it black - I do not) and had a piece of homemade sourdough bread.  Then on my way to get lunch realized that I wanted to fast today.  I debated.  Well, I've already blown it.  But, you can start now.  Then I thought about obedience and if I feel led to fast and don't do it, what would happen.  I had my mammogram appointment later today.

I asked Travis about it.  He said, don't worry, you can just eat.  I told him about my struggles and could fasting or not fasting impact the results of my appointment in any way?  He said he didn't know.

Getting back to work, I just decided to fast.  I should also note, that when I go to these appointments, they are usually all at the same place (Advent Health Hospital in Parker) and there is a really good coffee shop that is close by.  It's local and run by a wild VERY conservative Republican, but the coffee is good so I don't hold it against him :)  Do I not stop after for coffee as my reward for what are usually horrible appointments?

Well, I successfully fasted and when I was saying good bye to Trav and Sable, he stopped me and prayed for me.  The prayers of an elder!

I had a diagnostic mammogram for my left side where the cancer was.  I only had a normal one for the right side even though there is a cluster of cysts that were found last time (which are apparently of no concern unless they grow big).  The radiologist said that not only do I not need to come back for a year, but I can go back to normal screening mammograms!  I will have my oncologist confirm that in a few weeks, but YAY!

Did fasting and prayer change the outcome of my results?  Probably not.  But did I put God first over my hunger and love of coffee?  YES.  And that's what matters today.

During this fasting practice, I have a very specific prayer.  I pray that my brother experiences God in a mighty way.  He is so loved.  May he feel it BIG!