Sunday January 31 concludes my 21 day fast. I woke up in somewhat of a disbelief that it was finally over and I could go back to eating whatever I wanted. I was surprised however that I don’t really want to go back now. If your just now reading about this fast, then to catch you up in a sentence, I’ve gone 21 days without sugar, meat, dairy or caffeine products. I joined with friends, family and lots of strangers in a Daniel Fast to give God the first of my year and trust that the seeds sown spiritually during this time will reap a harvest in the year to come.
I’ve experienced lots of personal victories during this fast, and I’ve discovered it is possible to say no to the things you crave so much. The hardest thing for me to turn down was sugar and dairy items. I love cheese, milk, coffee with cream and sugar and pretty much any other food item that contains sugar. It was especially hard working next to Starbucks and when my birthday happened and I was offered all sorts of cakes and yummy desserts. I thought several times about quitting on that day, but persevered only by the grace of God.
This first and last week of the fast were the most difficult, and I did fail a couple of times, but prayerfully got back on the “Fast Track” and have finished well. I thought I would stuff myself with every desirable thing, but I found that those things I thought I wanted so bad to not taste so good anymore and they made my stomach hurt.
I probably will gradually add things back into my diet, but honestly it feels really good to actually feel good and not so lethargic and weighed down by the junk I was putting in my body. Plus, all the fruits an vegetables actually taste sweeter and better now that I haven’t had so much junk. It makes me wonder how good it will feel when I get rid of the other junk sitting around my house and take care of the clutter in brain.
So what now? Well, for starters I’m going to keep the fridge stocked with healthy choices so I don’t retreat to the junk when I’m in a funk, I’m going to take action on the things God has told me to do and I’m going to face this year with a vision and expectancy for God to do great things in and through me.
Congratulations to those of you who fasted and finished along with me. I’d love to hear sometime how things went for you and what you are taking away from this fast. If you opted not to fast and still want to, I encourage you to start this week. You don’t have to do a 21 day fast, you can just start with fasting one meal, TV or anything that is taking too much of your time and not giving you anything in return. Spend that time reading your Bible and asking God to reveal his plans for your life to you. I know he longs to use each one of us to do great things and there is no time like the present to get started.
Thanks for sharing in this journey with me.
Sincerely,
Paige
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Hallelujah! We made it! I have been a little ridiculous with what I’ve been eating for the past 2 days. Donuts, chocolate, pizza. Just for a few days I told myself. I totally feel God moving in my life right now…as a result of this fast. I have one regret…I complained too much along the way. Just around my husband. I wish I wouldn’t have done that. Oh well. Maybe next time. I managed not to cheat the whole time. Well, on day 21, I had veggies from Boston Market and they were pretty buttery. But, I was starving and it was day 21. Thank you Paige for encouraging me to do this life changing fast. You are a blessing to so many people.