I'm Back | 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
You're probably wondering, "Where ya been?" and even if you haven't been wondering that, it's because you see me all the time or follow me on social media. But if you are I haven't been active or posting blog related content for a few reasons: 1) I am fasting from social media, 2) I haven't had any inspiration, and 3) I was transferring and re-designing my site from one platform to the next for better viewer interaction and experience. Now that, that's out of the way! Hello and welcome back, to Chasing Shel!
At the beginning of each year, my church (Transformation Church) kicks it off with 21 days of prayer and fasting. Some people choose to not indulge in certain foods and other vices, but the meaning of fasting is simply to abstain from all foods and drinks. This year is the first year that I actually decided to fully participate to strengthen my relationship with God.
I am practicing fasting from January 10-February 1st by:
- Drinking water starting at 12pm
- 1 meal per day starting at 6pm
- No beef, pork, or chicken (only seafood and turkey)
- No social media
So here are my takeaways during this time of prayer and fasting:
It is tough...At First.
Your flesh wants to eat and indulge (sometimes over indulge) in things that are not bringing you closer to God and/or keeping you healthy! I found myself waking up in the morning and immediately opening my instagram app and not my Bible app and saying my prayers to Thank God for waking me up. So each day, I started with a prayer, my verse of the day, and the church's bible plan for the fast.
The not eating part was not easy at first either. I recently went to get blood work done and though I am actively exercising for 30+ minutes, 5 days out of the week, I still had some health issues based on my diet. So, instead of waking up and eating junk or high sodium and cholesterol foods, I slowly broke my fast with water, fruits, veggies, and then a meal at the end of the day.
You Have to Lean on God.
I realized during this time that when it gets hard, call on the Holy Spirit to guide you and walk with you. This is the purpose of this spiritual journey. It allows me to know that there is only one to rely on and that's God! When I found myself wanting to break my fast early due to cravings, I simply just prayed and then went about my day. He is my strength!
Have A Support System.
During this time, it's good to have accountability partners and people who are also participating. luckily I have a few people who are doing there own modifications of this fast and it helps to know that you're not going through it alone. Talking through it and encouraging one another has helped tremendously.
All in all, I found that I needed this in order to start my year off in the most positive way and best way to get a clear vision for my year. I highly recommend fasting to anyone who needs some clarity in their lives and has a want to get closer to God!
I plan to fast again, for Lent (40 days) and small "fasts" throughout the year from spending money especially (lol).
Thanks again for Chasing Shel with me!
Sending you all love and light,
Shel🤎