“I could never go 1 day without eating!” – 23 year old me said, when addicted not just to food, but processed junk as well.
“I am not going to eat any food for 7 days." - Spiritually hungry me at 33.
WHY
would
I not eat for 7 days, particularly when we’re in the midst of this Coronavirus mess, and people are clearing the grocery store shelves of food?
I needed to make room for something better!! Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
What do I love more than food? The Almighty Father God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And I know, according to His word, when I want something, I must sacrifice a thing I really love, which would be a challenge to go without. FOOD!
When your cellphone gives the warning 'no more storage space' and you can't take that graduation picture of your child, what do you do? Clean out space. But in that moment, it's not the best time, because your phone isn't performing as expected. Same goes for our body, we fill the body with so much food that does not nourish the body, that one day, it slowly starts to stop working as it should.
I came to a point in my life where I looked at all the things I had accomplished, places I have traveled, and experiences I have tried saying, wow, I've had a great life thus far.
Yet, I still had not found that very thing, my purpose, that leaves a positive impression which adds value to generations now, and after me. So, in order to tap into that space that has yet to be exploited, I needed to make sacrifices to clear the area and expose what was itching to be released.
Food has been a comfort, pleasure and essential family staple since I was a child. I have given up many things in my life, that I loved and was part of my regular routine. Food is a necessity to live, yes, but my relationship with food was so strong I can call it an addiction. Being I am not a big shopper, TV watcher, collector of an item or the like, giving up food would be most challenging for me. But hey, when you want to elevate it takes great sacrifice, right? I know this is true, because I've fasted since a child in the church.
In the last 3 years, I fast every other month, for 3 days. 5 days is the most I had fasted, until now. This fast is drinking only spring water, herbals teas and sea moss. No FOOD, not even a smoothie!
My intention in this fast was to draw closer to God through the Holy Spirit. In order to clear room for the Holy Spirit to fill me up, I must detox from what had been filling me up. After cutting frivolous activities from my life, I noticed quite an increase with my discernment in the Bible and peace in my heart. Of course some test, because when the devil sees God’s work, working, he comes in with vengeance. That wasn’t my focus! More of the Holy Spirit is what I’m after, and I’ll do whatever it takes for me to get that relationship!
OK, so what’s the experience of the fast been like, I’m sure you want to know. A reality check! I realized how much I am a habitual eater, living to eat. So easily I’d fill my schedule with social eating, filling my mouth with what I was craving or seen advertised. Well, when I would get a grumbly belly I would redirect my thoughts and put my actions toward praying, journaling, time in the sun or reading the Bible. I wanted more than just a satisfied palate and full belly! I want to eat off God's Word so that I will live in righteousness.
Day 2 & 3 were probably the hardest, in terms of being hungry and not going to grab something. Yes, chugging water worked to fill me up, but then the hunger pains came into play. Those pains are not just in the stomach, but messed with my mental as well. And if I got on social media (being I follow many chefs!) that feeling grew stronger. I had done 3 days without food before, so I knew I would push through and survive.
I was pleasantly surprised, days 4-6 when I didn’t have many I’m hungry
moments. If I did, I would change my thought from food to business or the Bible. Really, the only time I thought about food was when I smelled something cooking. It was in those moments I drew in to the reason for my sacrifice, and sent gratitude to my Creator for this experience. This may sound a little crazy, but staying attached to my why and controlling my thoughts was a major player in my success during the fast.
Being bloated is not just a thing of the midsection; it was of my mind as well. When I was able to remove time in the day thinking about, preparing or eating food, I gave the Spirit my attention. I was not lethargic or low energy. In fact I slept less at night and was only able to get one 30-minute nap in the whole week!
In all that time of the week and worthless thoughts being detoxed; I relaxed, studied, and wrote. I didn’t exercise, because I am always hungry after working out, no need to trigger an appetite. Day 6 I did go for a very slow mile walk, and felt slightly weaker than my normal self, nothing too scary or drastic though.
The latter 5-days I rented an Airbnb Villa tucked between tress on a river. From the bed I could see beautiful greenery as I journaled, which turned into articles for my blog. I laid poolside for hours each day. Sitting in a lounge chair on the dock I would read the Bible while listening to the critters play in the branches above. Then take breaks to just mediate and admired the reflections in the water. I’m a lover of self-care so I indulged in things like therapeutic baths, manicured my nails, relaxing in bed and herbal teas.
My favorites - I didn’t drive 4 entire days straight and spent so much time with God, in His word and in conversation. No thoughts about the outside world. No dealings of issues. No work. No stress. And of course, no food.
Day 7, and I wasn't even hungry! Yet pizza in the park sprung to mind… my first meal was fresh berries and mango. So sweet it was to bite into food that was yummy and nutritious at the same time.
I started this fast so that I could audibly hear Gods voice, and know for sure what I am to do in life. What’s been revealed to me is that I need to stop thinking from the carnal mind. I search and look for signs constantly. I need to strengthen my faith. Live from the spirit. Fear not. Keep reading to understand The Word and wear the full armor of God.
Unintentionally planned from my part, today I end my fast and tomorrow begins the Passover. Just as I cut food out of my life for 7 days to be filled with the Holy Spirit, God is working to cut unleavened bread
out of my life, through the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps these last 3 days I haven’t been hungry because I’m full of the Spirit. Of all the delicious meals I’ve made and fine dining restaurants I’ve eaten from all over the world, this has been my most satisfying meal thus far.
God, I give my plate to you, serve me what you have prepared exclusively for me. My palate is matured.
Replenish Thyself!
Jessica N. Colon