Fasting Day 9: The Flesh is Strong

So, it’s day 9 of my fast and it’s harder than I thought it was going to be.  Not eating any food has taught me a few things (once again).  The hunger pangs have subsided, but my flesh is strong!  Here’s three things I am learning 9 days into my fast:

1. I have more time to do things than I think I do.  If we’re not eating, we’re thinking about eating.  It’s amazing how much food has a grip on us.  But I’ve found I’m not as distracted when the habitual prospect of eating is removed.  It’s actually been freeing! 

2. Determination alone isn’t a good strategy.  We need God.  Isn’t that what much of the Bible boils down to?  If you think you can do life on your own, go for it.  But we can save ourselves a whole lot of stress if we depend on God for what we need…which leads to my third point…

3. We humans have a bad habit of placing a high value on things that aren’t worth much.  And the likewise is true…we place a low value on things that are really important.  Like what you ask?  Well, I’m learning how much of a value I place on food when I get together with other people.  At least 5 times last week I watched friends eat in front of me!  Yes, food is social, but it is not essential to enjoying friends and family.  I am learning to appreciate friends for their value, not for the “mutual benefit” I recieve from it, namely, food. 

Many others in our church are jumping on board and doing 14 days fasts…I’m so proud of them!  God is faithful to teach us all we need to learn during our fast.