Part of Think Divinely’s goal is to write about everyday Christianity and how this changes our way of thinking.
One day when I was fasting, I attended a women’s luncheon at my church. The grace of God was on me because while everyone sat and ate, I didn’t, and it wasn’t that hard. Instead, I focused on those around me without the distraction of food. I felt like a better listener because I wasn’t trying to gobble food down while chatting. I just listened. It was nice!
Then the test came. We were meeting missionary women seated at each of the tables. We were to get to know them better. At my table were three elderly, missionary women. One was blind. The blind woman, I found out, is a Bible translator for Wycliffe, speaks Portuguese, and translates the Bible from English to Portuguese. She uses an audio bible version and a braille keyboard. Wow. I was in awe!
As I sat listening to the passion that she had for her ministry, I was convicted. Who am I to complain about anything in my life, I thought, as I sat next to this blind woman who has not allowed a disability to prevent her from serving God. For whatever reason, God has not healed her eyes. Only God knows why. I do believe there is a reason behind all the things we suffer. Suffering is certainly not in vain when submitted to God’s Kingdom. The key is to trust in His goodness despite our circumstances, and this woman was a living example of that.
While we were waiting for the guest speakers, the MC said she had a prize for anyone who knew what language Helen spoke (that was the blind missionary I was sitting next to). I immediately shot my hand up and answered correctly, “Portuguese!”
You win a box of Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier gourmet chocolates, the MC declared. Really? C’mon God, I am fasting! I chuckled to myself as I went up to receive the chocolates.
That box of chocolates sat there, in front of me at my table, as the guest speakers began to share their missionary experiences. How was I going to resist them once I got home? My boys were camping this weekend, so no one would know that I snuck a chocolate… or two. Yeah but God would know. He’d forgive me, right? I rationalized that after all, I won these gourmet treats! Maybe God just wanted to bless me with some chocolate yumminess, I thought.
The Temptation
Minutes passed, and I kept looking at that box of chocolates. My friend, sitting next to me, opened them up and read the ingredients to see what flavors that box of treats held. I asked her if she wanted one? “No,” she replied. “I’m just looking.”
A few more minutes passed. I got convicted — again. Why am I holding onto these chocolates while fasting? I thought of my friend who looked longingly into the box. I thought of the blind missionary who was the reason that I won the chocolates in the first place. Then a thought inspired me, “Lisa… give them away. Bless others. You can’t eat them anyway… at least not today.” And so I did.
I first insisted that my friend take one. She carefully selected her favorite flavor from the box. She savored it later with a cup of coffee. I passed the box to the next person at the table. She declined. Another took a piece, and yet another declined. Then the box was passed to Helen. Her friend had to select a chocolate to hand it to Helen to enjoy. And enjoy she did! I have heard it said that when one of our four senses is missing, the other senses are often heightened. This certainly seemed true for Helen. I watched as she allowed the chocolate to melt ever so slowly in her mouth; such decadent sweetness is not to be rushed. Her face softened and a slight smile curved at the edge of her lips. She savored that chocolate, allowing the flavors to linger. Seeing her relish that decadence could not have blessed me more.
In that moment, I was overwhelmed by the simple act of one piece of candy given to a blind woman. I choked back the tears. There is NO way I could have enjoyed that box of chocolates more had I ate them all myself! Seeing how everyone savored the gourmet sweetness was something that money simply cannot buy. I enjoyed every vicarious ‘bite’.
God is so good
God used this missionary luncheon to teach me thankfulness, and how giving things away is so much better than receiving (Acts 20:35). This is one way of becoming more Christ-like, as God wants us to be generous with everything, from the smallest of things to the biggest.
I love how God works in our lives when we’re sensitive to His Spirit during a fast. There is something to fasting that keeps our focus on things of the Spirit and not the flesh. We must recognize these moments when they come, and we must remember them. God is always at work when we have the eyes to see (Matt. 13:16).
P.S. I never did eat any of those chocolates. I gave the last one away to the women’s ministry director, Joyce, who had never had one of these gourmet chocolates before. She practically drooled; it was priceless!
Hi Lisa. It’s enjoyable and encouraging to read about your fasting experience. When I fasted last year, I was tracking the lesson I led in Bible study: Food is good but Jesus is better. (He’s the Bread of Life.) It wasn’t a grandiose experience. It was just a simple time of not eating and remembering that Jesus is better than food. When I stopped after 35 hours, I didn’t really have to stop. I just decided it was enough time and I had a fig newton and a cup of coffee while at work. Of course, I didn’t win a box of gourmet chocolates. I imagine I might have eaten a few pieces a few hours earlier than that fig newton! What a great lesson for you to share about – giving is better than receiving, even when you sacrifice a lot. Thanks for sharing this post.
Hey Stephen! Thanks for stopping by. I’ve fasted before with similar results to yours – just a knowing that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4.) So, yes, that is the best thing about fasting – it helps us to remember what is most important.
By the way, I LOVE Fig Newtons and coffee… some of the best treats on Earth. Thanks for your comment. Bless you, Lisa Q
Lisa = deep respect.
Fasting is not something I’ve tried. I do go without food for plenty of hours in the day, especially when engrossed in something, and yet never an intentional fast to focus on the Lord. Hmmm, you have me thinking
Hey Bob!
Thanks for your comment. Yeah, I don’t fast often, but when I do, it’s usually because I am seeking God for direction or to clarify things. Sometimes, however, it truly is just an act of sacrifice, one to humble our “flesh.”
It’s funny that today a diet called “Intermittent Fasting” has become a thing. Studies show, when done correctly, it’s helpful in weight loss and system cleansing. Of course it’s good for you – God calls us to fast in the Bible, so if He said to do it, then I guess it must be good for us in more ways than one!
Bless you, Lisa Q
Such great encouragement. We are never too………… to serve God. He can use the old, the young, the blind, and the unprepared. And He can use a box of chocolates to teach the lessons needed.
Hi Yvonne,
Your comment made me think of that famous line from the Forrest Gump movie: “Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re going to get.” Ha ha ha… yup. Thanks for stopping by!
Bless you,
Lisa Q
Hi, Lisa!
I love your post in so many levels. I am actually from Brazil, so I was so happy to hear the story about this amazing woman of God who has accepted the call to translate into my native language, in spite of her handicap. So inspiring!
I did my first long fast in the beginning of this year and do understand the temptation, but most of all, the blessings that come from overcoming our weaknesses to become stronger for His glory.
Thank you for sharing this! Blessings to you,
Thanks, Patricia!
You’re from Brazil? WOW. I’d love to hear that story someday.
Bless you back! Lisa Q
What a delicious story! It’s so kind of the Lord to allow you to meet the amazing Wycliffe translator and then to be able to gift the chocolate! What a great choice you made to give it away! How precious to enjoy the pleasure of the others as they received these good gifts. That said, I think you’re a much nicer person than I am. I don’t know if I would have been able to give them ALL away. I love chocolate so much that I’m afraid I would have selfishly hoarded it to gobble it all down after the fast.It would definitely be a test! That’s for sure!
Oh, you are a great weaver of words, Melinda! “What a delicious story.” Ha ha ha… thank you! And yeah, I love chocolate, too; especially those chocolates. It was only through the grace of God that I was able to give them all away, so I am not sure I am so nice. I think it was just our good God that helped me.
Thanks for your honest comment. I appreciate you!
Lisa Q
Hi Lisa, I needed to read this post. I first began fasting in high school as part of a world hunger awareness weekend. We fasted and prayed for those going without and also so we could physically experience hunger pangs which we normally do not. Since then I have fasted from time to time for various reasons. In each case, I found my prayer time was strengthened deeply. I try to fast once a week now to pray as the Spirit leads but have recently needed help keeping up with us. Your post helped me remember the significance and power of fasting. I’m asking God to renew my strength in this. God bless you!
Hi Melissa!
Thank you for your comment. Each time I have fasted and prayed, God has been faithful to show me significant things. I honestly do not do it regularly; usually just when I need some help with major decisions or, like you, for a community of fasting and praying for a ministry or outreach program. But to do it weekly? Now you are inspiring me! That is a good idea.
God bless your renewed strength,
Lisa Q
Hey Lisa,
Gosh, this is great! Love your story about the luncheon, Helen and her powerful story, and the box of chocolates. And this even tops Forest Gump and His “Life is like a box of chocolates” line. 🙂
Maybe your line is, “The Christian journey is like giving away a box of chocolates, one piece at a time.” 😉
We so often downplay the importance of fasting (and God’s sense of humor). Yet we see it mentioned in Scripture. I will never see fasting the same again after this post. Not only will it remind me that when I give up my physical need for food, I concentrate on spiritual food, but also how God may decide to use it to bless someone else…or a whole bunch of others.
Ahhh… thanks, Karen! This comment makes me so blessed. As a writer, don’t you feel like sometimes maybe your words are not inspiring people or making a difference? And then you get a comment like yours, and it makes all the work worth it. “I will never see fasting the same again after this post.” WOW! Give me a high five, girl! That one sentence has made my day.
Yes, the Christian life could be likened to the giving away of the sweetness of God. There are so many metaphors we could use here to say how sweet the presence of the Lord is or His goodness, etc.
Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging comments.
God bless you,
Lisa Q
Dear Lisa!
I get hungry just looking at that image coming along with your blog post 🙂
The story about the blind woman puts everything in perspective. I agree with you; the key is to trust Him no matter what.
I’d love to win a box of chocolate; I can finish one box quickly by myself.
Off to make some food for the family,
With love!
Edna Davidsen
Hey Edna – hope you enjoy your family as much as any great buffet that could tempt even the most disciplined of people! Love you back, Lisa Q
I sure did, and today I go to a birthday (lots of cakes) 🙂
This is such a good illustration of how God desires our generosity to be. At a cost to us, but blessed by Him ten fold. We give our precious chocolates, money, time or whatever we hold dear. He gives us the prompt and we obey. When we do, He shows us His heart and joy!
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for stopping by – great comment – so true!
Bless you,
Lisa Q