Proverbs: Chapter 1
For several years now, I have wondered why so many people I know, who are not Catholic, have decided to take part in "Lent". But this year as I was reading one of the devotional/prayer sites I like to frequent the author wrote about her decision to "fast & pray (for her marriage)", and just like that, in a blink, I understood that all these "non-Catholics" have not been simply taking on a piece of another religion, but have been seeking to draw themselves closer to Christ. And so, for the first time in my 28 years, I am "fasting and praying". Please feel free to join with me, or at the very least, pray for me as I go out on my own journey to seek His face by falling at his feet. I use the ibelieve.com app for my daily devotionals but in addition I am starting to dig into my Bible on my own. These next several posts will be my journey over the next 45 days of fasting, praying, seeking, and believing. My journey is beginning with Proverbs -- a chapter a day until I complete the book and at that time will move onto the next book that I feel God has laid on my heart. I am EXPECTING something BIG to come from Proverbs because my intentions were to start with Psalms, but that is not the plan He has for me.
Proverbs 1 sets up the "Purpose and Theme" as well as contains the "Epilogue" to the book.
I realized as I read that I couldn't have asked for a better place to begin this journey than Proverbs 1. The chapter warns against being enticed by "sinful men" and touches on rebuking God's wisdom. WOW, what an encouragement for this next month and a half! In the quiet, that I know I so need in my life, I heard God say, "Brooke, do not be discouraged by those who are not in your corner and do not let them be a discouragement to the path I have set before you. Do not be enticed to follow in their sinful ways that are unpleasing to me and your greater purpose. It is in Me and through Me that you will find wisdom if only you are willing to hear it.". So it is here I sit in awe of his presence and purpose in my life.
Today, all because of Proverbs 1 I pray prayers of thankfulness for the insight that was given to me, that I clearly need to steer my path, but didn't even know I needed. God showed me ways through this chapter to pray for myself, my journey, as well as my "focus prayers" for the next 45 days.
I have three things that I am specifically praying for during this season and have decided to fast from the "all mighty" Facebook. God knows my heart and will hear my prayers as I more fervently seek him, of this I know. It is never too late to do your own "fasting and praying" and does not just have to be at the Easter season -- God is always ready and always knocking, all you have to do is listen and respond!
