Are You Hungry?

I purposely have not talked much about food. Frankly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to react to fast. I didn’t know if a piece of chicken was going to send me over the edge or if I was going to down the work room’s spread of my favorite chips, dips, cakes and pies at lightening speed. Anyone who knows me, is very aware that I love food, to eat a variety of meals, to cook, discover new recipes etc. I normally eat 3 times a day chalked with meat, carbs, fat, and the healthy/unhealthy snacks in between. To be completely honest, I was AFRAID of failing myself and God. My family is not on the Daniel fast and I must cook them a regular meal, so I knew that this was going to definitely be a challenge. I guess that is what is what is so good about the fast, God has presented me with a challenge each day and I make it my goal to complete it. So, what is the verdict from the first week? I am HUNGRY, for God’s word. The fast has made me focus more on God’s will for my life and even when I have cravings, I am not as quick to indulge in them. This is a NEW concept for me, for years I have “dieted” for every other reason but for God. Each time I would last two, three days tops, and by Wednesday, I was making excuses as to why I needed to make a run to Eggroll City for Hot n Sour Soup only to end up purchasing Shrimp Kung Pao with Fried Rice and Cheese Wontons. Now I know your wondering, why is this time different? Two Main Points: One, the Daniel Fast is not a diet. When people say “Daniel Fast diet” I think, wait, this is not a diet, I am full, God fulfills me throughout my prayers and devotional time. Also, the food choices are abundant and generally I eat until I am satisfied. What’s more important is that I don’t make excuses as to why I can’t make this sacrifice for God. He has blessed me in so many ways, Phil 4:13 says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and I can’t understand why I haven’t leaned on these words more. But its working and God is working on me like he did with Jacob when he changed his name to Israel, straightening me out. (Genesis 35:10)   Two, I am making my choices with God not on my own, before this fast, I was doing everything on my own with what I wanted in mind. God has to be apart of every plan and purpose in my life. Even when preparing food for my family, I have not picked at the edge of a burger or popped a chip in my mouth because the relationship I am creating with God is so much more satisfying.