Throughout this series we have been blessed by the stories of people who are stepping out on faith and stepping up to the challenge to start living the lives God intends for us. And many have emailed us to share the amazing lessons they are learning about themselves and their relationship with God. We would love to hear from you too!
For some time I have longed to deepen my relationship with God, to seek His knowledge and wisdom on a different level. I saw this fast as an opportunity to shift my focus in this direction in a deliberate way.
I have been preparing my heart, and God has blessed me in unimaginable ways. I experienced unexpected and complete healing in a friendship. My diet has completely changed and there are lifestyle changes that will remain for my entire family. But my perspective on the definition of nourishment is perhaps the biggest change. What a great God we serve!
Thank you for the spiritual leadership in this area of my life. I have never considered fasting before even though I'm very health conscious. God truly is working in my life to bring me closer to Him. I've gotten more regular in spending time with God. I'm also reading Ed's new book "Outrageous, Contagious Joy" a little at a time, meditating and praying for each part, that God will really develop that joy in my life again. I really appreciate the challenge to get myself back on track.
In this fast, I am finding a whole new level of companionship with my wife. This fast has us struggling together and God is using that to grow us closer to Him and to each other.
I find the concept of the fast is really very simple, but easier said than done. This whole process of "doing without" has not only caused me to eat differently, it has caused me to THINK and ACT differently. Because of this fast I have chosen to look to Him to direct my path and create new habits to live by. Because of this fast, I THANK Him for standing with me through the temptations. Because of this fast, I am changing my spiritual habits. I feel renewed.
I feel that the fast is not only a great opportunity to get closer with God, but also to really examine the things that go into my body, whereas before I never thought twice about it. It's been great to be creative with eating, and also to feel true hunger, and find better ways to fulfill that need. I'm enjoying substituting fast food, with FAST food!
The first few days were rough, but things are going much better now - it's not difficult when you've got God as your cheerleader! I'm looking forward to seeing what He is going to reveal to me. I know it will be special and will impact my life in ways I can't imagine.
This has been an amazing adventure so far. God has brought clarity to scriptures as I read in the morning and is giving me incredible patience. My body feels healthy for the first time.
Since beginning the fast, God has multiplied our time together as a family. We are now preparing meals together (planning, anticipating, and enjoying) and we have sat down to dinner together nearly every single evening. We all seem to look forward to sharing our meal together. I praise God for His blessing--truly the greatest one He could have given us--that of strengthening the home and family. I can't wait to experience more of Him.