On Sunday, May 3rd our church started at 21 day fast, we all got to choose the type of fast, as long as it was for the 21 days, some decided to fast from 6-3pm others 6-6pm a few decided to cut out sweets and even TV, it's similar to a Lenten period, where you are sacrificing something, for a spiritual purpose. We know that the Word says that we should grow accustomed to fasting and praying, and fasting is called a private discipline that can bring about public rewards. If you read the Bible, you would see that most of the major characters fasted. For the past few weeks I have been excitedly awaiting this fast. I will admit, that along with the sensation that a great breakthrough was oncoming, I was also thinking, a Daniel Fast..."I GOT THIS!" (yes, a la George Lopez). For those of you who are unaware a Daniel fast is one where you don't eat, meat, sweets, breads/pasta & dairy. So while you can eat, you are limited to primarily Fruit and Veggies, think organic Vegan.
So, it has been that for the past 3 days of the fast, the Lord has been using this time to well.. strip me of my pride, and today show me that I, yes I need to De-Throne King Stomach! You see, along with my "I GOT THIS!" attitude, I am also a grazer... yes I eat all day. I LOVE TO EAT. HUNGRY and I are not bedfellows, close kin, nor should we live in the same zip code. If I have ever given you a ride, you will see a pink basket in my back seat with an assortment of snacks, that I am usually willing to share!
Today i will admit I had to look up the word Fast, because it was painfully clear that today was day 3 of 21. THREE....TWENTY-ONE... THRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. And the Fast, as much as I tried to stay chipper and keep my eye on the prize it was difficult around dinner time. Why today? Why so soon? Well, you see today we (the Sanchez fam that is), knocked down one of the kitchen walls along with removing most of the appliances, namely the oven and the stove. Normally I would have no problem with take out for a few days, but not today, when I am limited and after my 2nd oatmeal smoothie.
So off we went to Wendy's where I got myself a Baked Potatoe and a Side Garden Salad YUM! plus a few things for the other folks at home. Just to realize when I get home that they did not give me MY salad. Papi & Mami had their Caesar Salads, but my Garden Salad, was NOT there, I repeat NOT THERE! Can I be honest with you? I think I will, (well I'm fasting aren't I, I think it's the only becoming thing to do), I almost cried I think I felt a tear formulating.
Foolishness right!??! I KNOW! Well it was not that I thought I was going to starve or that I could not figure something out at home, in our half kitchen with no appliances and a broken wall, but I really felt like saying OH YOU STINKY FILTHY DEVIL!!!! and shed a lil tear.. 'cause I was really wanting that salad. No I did not cry, nor did the tear shed, I, just after a few minutes, drove right back to the Wendy's and told them of the lil mistake, and the attendant after looking at me as if I was LYING or TRULY MISTAKEN (reprende al diablo), gave me MY salad. ALLELUYAH!
The whole experience made me realize how much food dominates me, be de-throned king stomach, de-throned I say! Yes, I know we need food to survive, but I know I need God all the more. And it made me think...do we get anxious and quickly saddened when we don't get our serving of Jesus throughout the day? Do we long for the day to be alone with Him as some long for Chocolate or Ice Cream, or even a big o' bowl of Pasta, a slice of pizza or a chuleta frita?
Earlier today the Fast went quite Slow, and now I would like to stay at this pace, so that I may be able to enjoy every moment of it to the fullest, even the ones that present themselves to be challenging, as it is through struggle that we see progress...growth, and I am awaiting, excitedly so, my breakthrough! So king stomach move aside, Day 4, in Jesus' name I will victoriously reach my 21 days, Kitchen or no Kitchen! Fast or Slow.. I do know the difference!
Be Blessed,
Minda
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." ~ Frederick Douglass
PS
Below is the Etymology of the verb Fast, if you are interested:
