With each day that passes on the Daniel Fast, I would love to tell you that I am tempted less and less and that picking up a pizza from Papa John’s was not tempting in the least. But I would be lying if I told you all that, so here are 6 truths I have discovered in 6 days.
Truth 1 - I REALLY like Sugar and things containing sugar and I miss indulging in sugary treats.
Truth 2 – I find working next to Starbucks very difficult while fasting, even from decaf coffee.
Truth 3 – I REALLY wanted a piece of pizza when my neighbor ordered it for our kids and I had to pick it up and smell all that goodness in Papa John’s.
Truth 4 – I thought I was a pretty healthy eater, until I started this fast. I’ve since realized I am a frequent snacker of junk food throughout the day.
Truth 5 – Processed food, fast food restaurants and commercials advertising food are EVERYWHERE!
Truth 6 – I really want to quit when I’m getting stressed out by my life.
Spiritually speaking, God has been teaching me a lot about being disciplined and intentional. I am by nature on a scale of 1-10 in the discipline department about a 5. Some days I’m very disciplined, then others I think, “what does it really matter, just do what you want.” My lack of discipline in areas is now causing more stress and frustration than it probably would had I dealt with the problem on a daily basis. So with God’s help, I’m trying to finish what I start and stop procrastinating on the things that need to be done.
I’ve also been learning a good deal about being intentional. One of the definitions I found for intentional says “done with intention or on purpose.” When you fast, you can’t haphazardly do it. You have to be intentional about what your going to eat or otherwise the temptations will take you down. I knew my neighbor was going to order pizza tonight for our kids as a thank you for watching her kids. I intentionally made a pot of beans and rice so I would have something to eat when the pizza arrived. I desperately wanted just to taste it, but I’ve made my mind up that I want God to move more in my life than have a bite of pizza that will only temporarily satisfy.
As far as eating goes, I’ve been chowing down on beans and brown rice mixed with cilantro, lime juice and tomatoes and salt. I’ve eaten oatmeal with honey and strawberries for breakfast, snacked on pecans and craisins, and I’ve eaten my fair share of apples, oranges and bananas. Next week I’m going to try out a few of the soup recipes I’ve found and maybe even make my own hummus. I’ve heard it’s pretty easy and tasty.
So how about you? If your fasting, how is it going? Have you found any good recipes or articles that have been encouraging? I would love to hear how God is working in you through your fast and as always thanks so much for stopping by.
Sincerely,
Paige
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
My journey is going pretty good…as I sit here snacking on Triscuits…because I ran out of fruit. I often wonder if I can really make it 21 days. I have 2 family birthdays coming up before my fast ends and my father-in-law is in from out of town (there’s always dining out when that happens). That’s going to be difficult. Paige, I know the enemy is really working on us here. I’ve had things happen that just NEVER happen until I started this fast. Monthly at work, we have a staff meeting with lunch provided. There’s always a delicious salad involved. So, I brought my Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar salad dressing and was ready to go. Well, lunch was served and it was tacos!! With all the fixins!! The only salad involved was the shredded iceberg lettuce for the tacos. Oh well, that’s what I ate…shredded lettuce, that is. I’ve been having to explain to my 3 year old why I can’t eat eat cereal with her. “Mommy is not going to eat some yummy foods because that’s how I want to tell God that I love Him.” That really helps me to remember why I’m doing this. … o.k. Just had an interruption from my dd who is desperately wanting to share her cookies with me. (sigh) Another hard thing for me is keeping it a secret. Not that I want to tell everyone, but there are times when people are wondering what’s up and I don’t want to lie either. All in all, it’s been a great experience for me. Whenever I’m really craving something, I just pray. 15 days to go! Hang in there Paige, you can do it.
I also chose the Daniel fast and it has been enlightening. Skipping my addiction to Starbucks may be the hardest part but now its the weekend and with football games tomorrow that may prove to be the hardest. I’ve eaten lots of oatmeal as well and even after just one week I am over it. Lots of soups, tomato basil and made chili last weekend which proved to be very hearty and filling. I pulled a blackbean soup recipe off Carmen Brown’s blog and may try that tomorrow. You put that over rice too for variety
. I have been deliberate with my time with God and putting it first in the morning which I had not been doing. When my husband asked me this morning if the fast was over I was very tempted to tell him yes, but I did not and reminded him it was 21 days! I can and will do this with God’s help and so want to hear his next phase for me and to answer a lingering question or two. Hang in there Paige we are 1/3 through it!!
Suzanne and Sara,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience thus far. You gals are doing great and I’m impressed with your tenacity and perseverance. This fast makes me realize how much I cave in to my desires on a regular basis. I too have been tested in the strangest ways and can tell the enemy is on the prowl. The cool thing though is I am seeing God move in a swifter way in answering my prayers every time the enemy comes at me with a lie. For instance multiple bills have been coming in, I’m trying to get my tax paper work in order and it seems as if everyone was having a meltdown and needed attention NOW. After taking a deep breath and getting out of the house, God seemed to calm the immediate storms and bring peace and order back into my home. Everything is far from perfect, but there is peace and calm again.
Anyway, keep the faith and lets persevere together.
Praying for you!
Sincerely,
Paige