40 days

40 days is a long time.

For those of you who don't already know, God asked me to do a 40 day fast. The kind where I don't eat. At all.

I love food. This is not something I'd pick to do myself, and it really fit with all of the things God is doing in me. The more I tried to figure it out and plan it, the more I heard Him say "just do it already!"

Today (it's after midnight, but I'm referring to March 31st) was day 10. Somebody I greatly respect asked me today what I'm learning. I had to think really hard....a lot harder than I liked.

I know God is teaching me and shaping me. But I keep thinking back to something Kat said before youth a few weeks ago. "Without prayer, a fast is just a diet." I feel like so far, I've basically been on a diet. Marv and I had a serious talk on Monday about how bad this could be if I don't do it right. I've cut out food, but haven't cut out any activity (if anything I've added some), and I haven't been sleeping well (yes, it's after 1am and I just finished a paper that's due...today).

For the most part, I've been attempting to avoid talking about the fast. The Bible makes it clear not to brag, and I don't want to do that. My ability to even get this far is completely dependent on God's grace, and the strength He's given me.

I'm posting this in the most public way I know because I can't do what I want to do alone.

I can't do anything about my schedule for the next few days (other than get as many nutrients as possible), but I can make a commitment starting Monday.

I'm going to spend extra time in prayer every day. I'm going to put the Bible on my ipod, and listen to it when I'm driving in my car. I want to immerse myself in God's presence at all times.

So if you see me, ask me if I've done any of that, and make sure I answer you honestly. : )


40 days isn't really that long...