Muuummm…..I grew up thinking that FASTING was one of those dirty words of the Bible.  So, I tried NOT to think about it for years.  That seemed to work for awhile. ;)

But I’m the type of person that just “goes with” what God lays on my heart.  And as the years went by and I continued on my path of “hungering and thirsting for righteousness” ~~~ you guessed it, God laid it on my heart.

Here’s my personal experience.  First, allow me to write a disclaimer right here—right now.  I don’t claim to be anything other than an ordinary follower of Christ, so I’m not claiming this method is for everyone—it’s just how it panned out for me.

In 2009, I felt lead to fasting----my purpose was because I wanted more of God and less of me.  In addition, when Jesus spoke about fasting to his disciples, he never said-----“Now guys IF you fast”  Jesus spoke of fasting as what to do WHEN you fast.  That small difference between IF and WHEN changed my life.

Honestly, it’s pretty tough to describe my personal experience with fasting, but I’ll give it a whirl!!

I decided that I would go for only two liquids and avoid ALL type of food that required chewing.

  It was that simple.  Next, I decided on water as the first and most important liquid and secondly I selected a fresh squeezed fruit drink from the local Jamba Juice store that was within walking distance.  My “go-to” smoothie was fresh squeezed orange and carrot juice.  I consulted some health professionals and they recommended that I sip the juice slowly and only drink approximately 2 ounces ever 2 to 3 hours.  They explained the reasoning behind that sounded like “wha-unch-wha-unch-wha-wha-wha” to my brain that had something to do with balancing the liver enzymes. Etc. etc. etc. (From the King and I)  :D

When I began, it was not easy—but it did surprise me as I progressed.  By the third day, I was flying!!

 Ah yes, you people who have experimented with drugs of different kinds would probably describe this phase as “Tripping” but it was the most AMAZING trip! 

The most extraordinary things happened.  It seemed like I'fell' into the most beautiful rhythm of music that surpassed anything I could explain.  The timing of my life became phenomenal!!  Love poured out of my heart for all mankind and any living beast in general!

  I was working at the time, so every problem that occurred. God provided the most beautiful solutions and it was timed better than any playwright could have imagined.  For example, as one solved problem walk out my door at work then next one arrived.  I found myself to be very quiet and my sense of “listening” not necessarily hearing heightened.  Then out of my mouth, fell amazing solutions. (I was shocked!  I'm certain that I didn't generate those ideas!)  People seemed to come to me in droves.  With deeper and more personal issues and again the timing was totally out of this world.  I was blown totally away~~ there were times that it felt like I was living in the most beautiful SLOW motion WAVES of LOVE that one could ever imagine.  I just kept asking God, “How could so much beautiful life be experienced in one week of fasting?” 

I had desires of continuing the fast forever!!!  I wanted to fly every day in this beautiful sea of rhythm. 

Then, the final day arrived of my fast that I was CALLED into ministry!  What?  I am the least qualified!!  But the words on my heart were that HE does NOT call the most likely but equips the least likely.  Well, I certainly counted myself among the LEAST likely.

So, I broke the fast after four and a half glorious days and fell hard!  It was if my body crashed.  Fortunately, it was the weekend and I was able to rest and recoup.

 It may not be like this for everyone but I felt a complete and utter exhaustion.  The following weeks, I missed that beautiful timing and was keenly aware of the multiple interruptions and spaces of so much to do, without adequate time to do it.

I was shocked by the slump that followed and wondered if I would have handled it differently if I knew it was coming and prepared my mind for it.  Hind sight is always 20/20 or better! lol ;)

I’d love to have some WISE words here to sum up my experience but all I can find is to go back to seeking the difference between “IF you fast” and “WHEN you fast” and you’ll get the drift.

Thank you so much for reading and allowing me the pleasure of sharing some of my personal experiences with you.  Please feel free to leave comments or contact me personally….I do NOT claim to have the answers but I can certainly point you toward the ONE who does! J

Happy trails to you!!  If you happen to fast, please let me know what your experience is like.  I’m such a curious person and may have tons of questions for you but I’m eager to know how this works for others.

I am wishing you much Love, Peace, Grace and Abounding Blessings for you my friends.  J

God~Speed!!