I know how Jonah felt!

I have felt called by God to a couple of weekend retreats from the beginning of this year. It was a clear call to a time of prayer and fasting. But each time I have arranged it, I have had to cancel at the last minute due to emergencies.

"Well", I thought, "It can't be helped!"

A few weeks ago, I was laid up with man flu! The worst man flu I have ever had! It started with a few high temperatures and a chesty cough, and then 'bang', I ended up in bed for two days with fever! All I could do was drink fluids! I couldn't sleep much at night, and not much better in the day time.

On the fifth night, God clearly spoke to me! Now this wasn't in an audible voice, but clear instruction in mind to get up (at 2:30am!) and go to the lounge with my bible and a writing pad. What happended over the next 3 hours was extraodinary as the Lord revealed many things in my life I needed to put right, and that started by a few hours of sobbing as He revealed to me just how I had done things wrong. I felt wretched, I said sorry to God and vowed to Him that I would changed my ways.

He went on to show me what I needed to teach in the church, and how I needed to lead the men to be 'men'. If you have read "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge you will know what I mean.

I wrote out word for word what he laid on my heart, knowing that I would have to stand up in front of the church the following Sunday and read it out! I put everything down about 5:30am and went off to sleep.

The following Sunday was going to be tough, as each time I read through my notes in preparation, I broke down in tears. Now those that know me will tell you I am a big chap and not one to show emotion, as I am a confident leader and do not let things get to me. Well, I knew this was something else. This was the Holy Spirit breaking down some strongholds in my life, and teaching me that if I followed God's way of doing things, I would achieve so much more!

The following Sunday arrived, and I shared what God had given to me and asked the men of the church to stand with me as we take a stand as husbands/fathers/heads of our households. And yes, I did ball like a baby!

God has clearly shown me that when He calls me to do something, I have to do it! Putting off these retreats was just delaying what God wanted to say to me. And like Jonah who didn't want to go to Nineveh, God made sure that I was put in the place where I would meet with Him. Even if it was through illness. My enforced time out and fasting made way for God to move upon me with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Since that happened, a few weeks ago, He has shown me time and again that His ways are so much easier if we go in His strength. Too many times we create our own agenda and do "God's work" in our strength and direction.

I am looking forward to following His lead more closely, because it is far more exciting and productive than my way!

Learn from my mistake, and take time out to listen to God. Fasting focuses the mind on God and allows Him to speak more clearly, so try it out! You won't be disappointed!!


Pastor Pete