What am I learning half way through our 21 day Daniel fast???
Fasting = Lean.
Yes, you will loose weight, but that’s not what I mean.
I’m learning to LEAN into God’s Spirit.
Here are some benefits I’m experiencing from LEANING into God…
• Greater awareness and sensitivity to God.
• Sharper focus.
• Increased energy.
• God’ Word JUMPS off the page.
• Amplified retention of God’s Word.
• Accomplishing MORE with less time and energy.
• Not defensive to criticism.
• Better awareness of The BIG PICTURE – Eternity.
• Wasting time (And time waster’s) angers and annoys me.
• Pointed discernment.
• Wisdom and solutions in areas where I’ve been stuck.
• Desire to do the right thing
• Better relationally.
Disclaimer: I didn’t experience all of these right away and I have my off days and moments – but I’m definitely experiencing a change. Maybe I should continue the fast???
What are you learning?
Mandy and I were discussing this last night actually…
I’ve learned that Satan is big and has the ability to make your life a mess, if you let him. Our first week of the fast was EXTREMELY testing. (car dieing, undrinkable water, job problems.. etc). Making us wonder how we were going to get a car, get drinkable water, do I need a different job…just making life miserable.
But this second week I’ve learned that God is bigger than anything Satan can dream of being or doing. He has blessed us during the second week and has really evened the scoreboard. Turning to Him when things are good and bad and he will bless you. Keeping you eyes fixed on him even in your darkest days.
I’m reminded of Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Nothing could be more evident for Mandy and I this week!
Thanks for sharing Jeff.
Sounds like your first week was killer.
We were all pretty grumpy at our house the first week as well.
Love the promise of that verse.
Praying for you.
Stay strong.
I’m learning that I’m not as disciplined as I’d like to be.
I’ve been going through a difficult time in the past 2 weeks with my mother’s health. I have also been learning that when I lean on God, He is there to hold me up. I honestly think I’ve been able to cope with things much better while on the fast. I since an awareness of God in everything around me. I’m more focused on the needs of others and my prayers for them seem to be more specific.
Denying myself has allowed me to give more of myself to God.
Sue,
Keep leaning.
Praying for you and your mom.
I have not had a profound experience on the fast, but I do seem to have a little better focus (after the caffeine withdraw was over!). I just think it’s good to give up some things that we enjoy now and then, so we can enjoy a benefit from doing so.
For me the fast is a concrete example, so I can draw a parallel to something I can not see or put my finger on. The fast brings me the measurable benefits of more energy, a freedom from caffeine, and the feeling of being able to conquer some things that I think I need to get through the day. I can’t always see or feel the benefits of obeying the Lord, but I know that it is the right thing to do. I may not reap the rewards today, but in the end, it all glorifies Him.
Just thought I’d share our experiences last Saturday. We have been diligently fasting and following the journal daily. Amazing how our bodies have come into submission (following the withdrawal, of course). I have read online of folks who suspended their fasts for a day for special occasions after going before God in prayer. Saturday we hosted a baby shower for 50 people at which we cooked and served a sumptious brunch. Prior to going, we prayed for God’s leading on whether to break our fast, then did the Proverbs reading. God has a sense of humor. Most of the verses were about food, and the kicker was 13:25: “The righteous have enough to satisfy their appetite, but the belly of the wicked is empty.” Well, we made it through the day triumphant. However, we must have gotten the attention of the enemy because that same day, I lost my keys, my car battery died, we almost got two tickets, and our heat went out. We knew we were on the right track then! God has blessed us abundantly as we have learned many new things about love during the fast. Thanks for encouraging us to meet the challenge. Also, we had to chuckle when the heat didn’t work at Colonie Sunday morning. Someone is mad….