Fasting condemnation for Lent

Our pastor has invited us to consider what we might want to fast for Lent. This is not something that is required for our faith, but it is an invitation to focus our minds on God by giving something up. So, I simply asked God, “What would you like for me to give up?” Probably, not thirty minutes after my prayer, I was listening to a podcast when the pastor said that his church was going to give up condemnation for Lent. 

I thought, “Wait! What?” 

He then quoted that the Bible says, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). I didn’t hear anything else he said.

I have always prayed this verse. I have also learned there are greater lessons to be learned when I fast something internal versus something external. Honestly, my more powerful and core life lessons have come from an internal fast. Once I fasted for 30 days asking God for anything. I simply chose to let my prayers just focus on what I know about Him when I prayed. IT RADICALLY CHANGED ME! I learned more about God and saw crazy amazing answers to prayer without ever asking God for anything. 

So, I have decided to fast condemnation. Oh boy! I do believe I am about to go into another life lesson that will change me at the depths of my core.

How often do my thoughts condemn me? Far more than you can imagine! How often do my words condemn me? Again, too many times. How often do I allow the spirit of condemnation to enter my thoughts against another? Again, shamefully, too many times. 

UGH! YES! YEP! I need to fast condemnation!

So, what will this look like? 

On this side of the lesson, this is what I hope to do. 

First, I will ask GOD to make me conscious of the spirit of condemnation. Father, will you please reveal to me the moments when I speak or think condemnation. 

Then, I will pray the verse, “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” I want to cover this struggle with the truth because it is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32).

Then, I hope to cover it with the opposite. Father, how can I show grace and mercy? How can I speak life and love? How can I honor myself or the other? How can I change the mental, emotional, social, or even physical story that might being played in me? 

I will take the time to reflect on the truth that condemnation puts me in the place of acting like I am God and I am not. While conviction will cause me to want to repent so I can draw closer to God. There is a big difference, and the outcome is so different. 

This means I must be aware. This means I must be willing. This means that I must be willing to be obedient in the moment. This means that I must die to thoughts that in the moment I might feel justified in having. 

This is not a new journey for me. I can give you stories of the layers of God teaching me this lesson in my spiritual journey. But this is different. This is me now. Mature, Tara. Seasoned, Tara. Experienced, Tara. I wonder, what HE will reveal to me in this Lent? 

What might God be asking you to give up internally this Lent? Are you willing to dare to pray and try to see what God might cause you to discover about Him and yourself? Maybe you might want to join me in the fast of condemnation! 

Lent runs from February 19th to April 2 this year! 

What better way to focus on God and self-awareness than to give up something internally that hinders honoring Him and personal growth. 

Shalom, Shalom, y’all!