My fast ended this past Tuesday at 12:00 Noon. Eight days I went without food drinking only water and juices in order to bring my flesh under subjection, clear my mind, and achieve a greater sense of intimacy with God. A very specific issue caused me to do this and reading the words of Jesus that “some things come only by prayer and fasting” (Matt 17: 14-21), I was led to engage in this ancient spiritual practice.
It was refreshing, invigorating, and spiritually satisfying. I needed to commune with God and I did even though attacks by the Adversary persisted. I was and am at peace.
During this season of fasting I learned how much support I really have in my circle of friends. Those who know me personally know that I am a giver. I give my time, energy, and resources to many many great causes and oftentimes to people that I may never see again. Likewise, I strive to be extremely supportive of those in my circle who are doing great things. To be honest, however, sometimes I wondered if I would receive the same level of support from others in my time of need. People say that they support you, they’re with you, they got your back, and the famous church line: “I’ll pray for you” – knowing that they aren’t going to pray. I wondered if I only have those type of folk in my circle. I no longer need to wonder.
When I announced my fast via this blog, I started receiving text messages and emails left and right. People were contacting me to let me know that they were with me. A few true brothers of mine even let me know that they were joining me in the fast! This was amazing to me because I hadn’t even detailed the situation that prompted the fast in the first place! It was like, “Whatever Heb is fasting about, I’m aligning myself with him in support.”
I couldn’t believe that, man and honestly I had to learn how to accept that type of support from others. I can be a pretty proud man. (something that God is still working on in me – finding the right balance) So when another brother comes to me saying, “I’m praying for you”, “I support you”, “I love you and am here for you” and then checks on me every day to see how I’m doing… I had to learn how to receive that. But you know – it’s something that I will never forget. Everybody needs somebody sometimes. (I said EVERYBODY.)
On top of the outpouring of support that I received from those in this state and on the eastern seaboard; I also received a great surprise one day. About 5 years ago (maybe more now) I met an amazing sister in a chat room (remember those?). We clicked pretty quickly and were eager to learn more about each other. Since that time, we’ve remained in touch, “met” each other’s families, sent happy birthday wishes, etc. Last week, she picked up the phone and called me at my desk. I was completely blown away. Why? Because she lives in Argentina, South America!!! I will never forget that 5 – 8 minute call from a friend who was concerned just because she read a post that suggested that I was under duress. I was so excited I clicked over, called my wife and we had an international conference call support group right there on the spot.
This was an amazing week for me. God revealed to me the type of caring, compassionate people that are all around me. And MOST important – the situation that prompted me to the fast in the first place was resolved. God intervened in my affairs – Interrupted the natural course of activity prescribed by the knowledge of men and reversed it to show that only God has the FINAL SAY. God is the Ultimate Authority – well able to overrule the depressing reports of humanity’s chief experts and for that I GIVE GOD PRAISE!
THANK YOU LORD! YOU’RE WORTHY! I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME! (excuse me ya’ll, but if you knew what I have been through just this week – you would be praising God too!)
WHEN I THINK OF THE GOODNESS OF JESUS…..AND ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL HE’S DONE FOR ME, MY SOUL CRIES HALLELUJAH – THANK GOD! THANK GOD! THANK GOD!
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HebHeb,
I wasn’t going to comment but I just couldn’t help myself. There’s something quite comforting in these types of posts from you. You’ve been blogging for a few years now, but I look forward to these “praise Jesus” moments that I get to read about right here on Faith In Action. I guess maybe its because I see so much of the ACTION part of it so there’s something special about MINISTRY pausing for a second to minister to HIMSELF!! Keep doing what you doing bruh…you know im keeping you prayed up on this end…
Tae’
Hey Heber!
So glad to hear about God doing great things in the lives of His people. I love blogs like this, because it highlights God doing what He does best. When we follow His leading, He keeps us & shows up in the most AWESOME ways.
May God continue to bless & prosper you & yours.
~K
Even Jesus felt abandoned at times by his significant others who were supposed to be watching and praying with him – several times he found them asleep at the wheel. And during his delirum on the cross, he felt that God had even forsaken him.
However, ‘as a result of his suffering’ an even stronger bond grew between him and his friends, to the extent that they would eventually join with him, carry their crosses and sacrifice themselves for the work that needed to be done.
I was not aware that you would be consecrating, I missed that memo somehow. However, from what I have read you have support in the greater Baltimore-DC region, up and down the eastern seaboard – and you also have support on the west coast! Just let us know what we can do – you have the vision!
Peace & grace,
Praise The Most High,
As my grandmother says “GOD is just AWESOME”!
Wow, it’s good to know that you as a brother, a minister, a social advocate, a person who is so many different things to the wealth of people in your life can find support when in need. It is especially blessedly beautiful for you to speak out the testimony that Jesus, still steps in for His people. YES, our Ultimate Authority!
God Bless & Peace,
Niambi
now you KNOW God is good…not some of the time but ALL of the time…especially for those who dont sit and ponder what Jesus would do, but those that read the scriptures and actually follow His lead. Congrats on the success of your fast brother, now I know you may have a desire to eat all the lovely things you abstained from during the course of your fast, but take it easy…you dont need to refuel your body with an abundance of crap…food and people still afraid to get out and put their faith in action . Be blessed…
Peace,
Sister Tracy
I’m glad to hear that you received the support you deserve, but I’m not surprise because I know what a wonderful person you are, and people like you will never be alone. We will be here always to remember you that we love you and that you can count on us.
TanaeTanae? (smile) – thanks for the comment and encouragment. You’re likely to be reading much more of the “FAITH” part of this blog in the days, weeks, months to come.
Kareema! I believe this is your first comment on my blog…hopefully not your last. Thanks for the note. I had to share how God is active in my life. You never know who might read our testimonies and be encouraged.
Rev.! You are a constant support. I appreciate the way you soundly point out the parallels between the life of Jesus and our daily existence. You make the Gospel relevant and tangible to 2008 eyes, hears, minds.
Niambi – you are a beautiful spirit and your Grandmama was right! God is awesome and utterly mind-blowing. Here’s to The Ultimate Authority!
Sister Tracy – You truly are my sister and I appreciate you so much. Thanks for your wise counsel about not refilling my body with the crappy food. I’m also going to continue to guard my spirit and energy. When are you going to record your poetry CD?
Leti – Here comes the bride! You are a true friend and I place great value on our relationship….even though we’re thousands of miles away from each other! (smile) Thanks for my special surprise last week. I’ll never forget your gesture of care and concern.
Heber, The power of fasting is immense and congratulations on you completing yours. I noted where you said attacks from the adversary still came, but you were at peace. This is an enlighting process that keeps you strengthened at a time when it could be interpreted that the body is weak, but the Spirit gets stronger! I joined you in the fast completing 10 days, so I was with you brotha. Keep the energy flowing.