Over the last few weeks there have been multiple confirmations that God was desiring for me to fast.  With my wife away, my first thought was picking Something that would be easy for me to do, followed by the  Holy Spirit’s infused conviction of picking something that is truly denying myself.  In hindsight, in the 28 years that I’ve walked with the. Lord I have never truly fasted. 

I thoroughly enjoy food. I pretty much eat whenever I want to. Healthy stuff, but often.  As a matter of fact I have coined the phrase,”I don’t like to eat on an empty stomach” to justify snacking (make sure your metabolism is high if you go this route).  My favorite meal of the day is breakfast so that is where I decided to start; fasting breakfast for one week.  What follows are my observations of this event.

While fasting is not commanded in the Bible, it appears to have been expected as part of regular activity as Jesus said to His disciples, “When you fast…”  I can honestly say I would recommend it to anyone interested in seeking God’s presence and guidance.  Note: you know you’re body and its health best.  You make your best choices for you.  fasting is normally to be done privately but I wanted to share the benefits and encourage you. This may be my last post in fasting because the rest will be private.  🙂

I was hungry on day 1. My mind continually thought about food.  After preparing breakfast for 10 of our children I went in my office and prayed specifically for my family, friends, and breakthroughs for those held in chains of sin, and those imprisoned for their faith.  I could still smell the food and it was trying to distract my prayer time

Day 2 seemed a little easier.  My mind diligently desired to hold to this fast believing that it would be effective for the LORD not in my strength but His. 

By Day 3, I began to notice my clarity of life, my mission, the vision for our family and many other things had intensified. I no longer was thinking about food when I woke up, but how sweet the time of worship and prayer would be. 

On to Day 4.  I distinctly remember my patience being like iron as I had some children really trying to test me :).  I was committed to the vision for our family and was unwavering; even more patient than normal. 

Day 5 – Thoughts of just having an “early lunch” we’re trying to creep in as I smelled the sausage cooking.  My daughter who is an amazing cook was at the helm so I went outside to pray.  Every prayer time was more blessed than the day before. 

For Day 6 I had the wonderful blessing of finishing water removal from our basement.  Normally I would have been tempted to complain, but that line of thinking was far from me.  I was so thankful for everything God has done for us.  The task was finished swiftly and without complaint. 

Day 7 was yesterday; filled with the smells of breakfast delights and yet I knew what waited for me in my office was even more sweet!   

Some quick observations:  

1) I found that my attachment to food was greater than I knew.  Denying myself even just one meal revealed this truth as well as how much more satisfying God is than food. 

2) My prayer times were more focused and intense. Often times my eyes filled with tears of sorrow or joy. 

3) Fasting removed distraction so I could hear guidance from God for our family, ministry, and business.  

4) fasting help direct my need to draw even closer to my Heavenly Father. 

5) I prayed specifically for breakthroughs for some individuals and that remains to be seen what God will do. 

Personal Reflection

What is it that would be the hardest thing for you to give up?  Have you considered fasting that for a week?  If not give it a try and comment on here the results.  I’d love to hear how it’s impacted you and your relationship with God and man. 

Prayer Focus

Father, thank You for Your presence with us.  You are all we need to be satisfied and yet You give abundantly beyond!  Our lips are filled with Your praises.  For You have brought us out of darkness and into the Light of Your Son Jesus.  We have new life! As we seek to deny ourselves , take up our cross and follow, be the strength in our bones and the breath in our lungs to intercede on behalf of those around us.  May we shepherd well for You and for Your glory in Jesus Name, Amen!

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@brianfriedl