He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 (NLT)

Monday, March 28, 2011

Daniel fast wrap-up

What a powerful three weeks it has been!  I started the fast as an act of obedience, as way to consecrate myself to God as my 40th birthday approached, in response to His direction.  From the very tentative first beginnings where I wasn't sure if I would even make it through the day, I found myself leaning more and more into God.  Here is some of what He has shown me during this time.

  • He has been teaching me to be joyful always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
  • He has taught me that while everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial, especially if it becomes my master instead of God.  (1 Corinthians 6:12)
  • He has taught me that in His strength, I am capable of much, much more than I can do on my own. (Philippians 4:13)
  • I have learned that in the past I have depended on sugar, caffeine, and other foods when troubles come instead of turning to God.
  • My body runs better on natural foods.  I have more energy, less insomnia, and am less tired during the day.
  • Serving others brings joy.  God made it possible for me to prepare old favorite meals for others in joy.
  • I hear God better when I am turning to Him throughout the day.
  • If God calls me to do something, He will make a way for it to happen, even if it seems impossible.
  • God can use even the seemingly small things for His glory.
  • Less focus on food means more time for God's word and prayer, and for others.
  • Lifting others up in prayer is a powerful antidote to a bad attitude.
  • Water-only fasting for part of the day is a great way to make a Daniel fast seem like a feast!
What will I take from this?  I plan to devote a day a week to a water-only fast till dinner, focusing on prayer.  I want to keep many of the dietary changes, and really decrease the amount of sugar and chemical additives.  I hope to include more plant-based meals into my menu plans.  And I hope that the bonds that I've let food have over me have been broken.  I want to eat for nourishment, not for comfort.

And I'd really like to keep this extra benefit as well:
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2 comments:

  1. Misti PictonMarch 30, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    What a wonderful wrap up. I've been excited to hear what good habits you have instilled and the blessings that have came from them. Your determination and perseverance are extremely encouraging to me.

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  2. LorriMarch 30, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    Oh Misti, like you've so often told me, "It's NOT me, it's HIM." That has been really clear in these past couple days as I see the desires of the flesh are still there, and unless I'm leaning on God, I'm likely to give in to them.

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Thank you for joining us on today's part of the journey. Knowing that others walk beside us for a bit is such encouragement!

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