Seven Days of You: An Overview of Spring Break Fast!

Day One: No School, Yes Sabbath!

Success!

Sunday April 10^th, 2011

On the first day of my fast, I decided to give up school work. I usually check my classes that are online in the morning, but this day was different. I thought that Sunday was an appropriate day to devote my time to God instead of school work.

Sunday was such an amazing day. I woke up and got ready for church. At church we had a praise and worship service which is something that I really needed. Then from church my family came home, and I immediately did my quiet time with my Daddy. I was filled from my daily bread. After that I ate lunch, took an amazing Sunday nap, and blogged… twice. It was such a great day that filled my thirsty heart. I saw my older brother, and this was a blessing from God. I even had time to watch the new episodes with my baby brother because I was not consumed in homework.

John 8:32

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Truth: I was so consumed in my school work that I didn’t take time for my family, or the things that make my day.

What I learned?

It was hard to give up school work, but in the end I learned that it is way more rewarding to take a day for Christ.

Day Two: The Living Water!

Success! 

On Monday April 11^th, 2011 I kept my promise to God by fasting soda for the entire day. While I was drinking my glass of tap water, I reflected on what God did for me.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world He sent His one and Only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 8:32

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

 Jesus is my glass of living water. 

Day Three: Good-bye negativity!

Success!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I gave up negative thoughts about my image. I was renewed by the Holy Spirit from an encouraging verse that I wrote in my note cards.

Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.”

I have been struggling with negative views of what I look like, act like. But I know God created me so beautiful both inside and out. On the days where I think I am ugly and ashamed to go out of the house. It seems hard to look in the mirror on some days but now I know just how beautiful I am. It brings me joy to know that the Creator of Heaven and Earth molded me into a beautiful young lady.

Day Four- Giving up pride and gaining humility

Failed!

On Wednesday this past week, I gave up my pride. This was a rather hard task to do. At first I woke up knowing my task at hand, and I was fully equipped by doing my daily quiet time with Christ. But somehow during the middle of the day I failed BIG time. 

I was so prideful and overwhelmed by my feelings that day, I purposely did not listen to those who were talking to me then I would make them repeat it. I am so wicked, full of pride. I couldn’t even go twelve hours without being full of pride. 

Dictionary.com put their definition of pride as “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.” This is exactly what I was displaying when I chose my feelings over paying attention to whoever was talking to me.

Proverbs 11:2

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” 

This verse has really taken a hold of my heart. I feel so bad for being so prideful. I repent, and God is now being so faithful by showing me how not to be that way. He is doing so major heart surgery to change me so that I don’t have to be this way. Praise Jesus for using this and turning it into His Glory!

Day Five- Introducing me!

Success!

On April 14^th, 2011 I decided to go the whole entire without my mask. It was hard at first but then I got the hang of it. Let me first explain what it means to be wearing a mask. I would hide all my feelings and bottle everything up without saying a word. I am good at faking a smile when really my eyes wanted to cry. 

However, I was able not to hide anything, and it felt amazing. It felt good to just breath and act like what I was feeling. It really helped that God brought back my sister, and she came home safely and healthy. It was an answered prayer. Praise Jesus! 

Psalm 89:52

“Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.”

Day Six-Conquering Complaining

Picture Credit: Taken at a local fast food resturant, Rodeo Burger,and my sister thought it was perfect for this day of my fast because it was the same day I was doing the fast from complaining.

Failed!

This was extremely hard for me to do. When things go wrong in my day, the first thing I do is complain. I am guilty as charged as the justice system would say. I was so frustrated that the first complaint fell from my lips a little past nine in the morning. I knew that I failed this fast so my heart decided to continue to complain. It was wrong. I tried to stop but then I got caught up and continued to go with it.

I prayed that God would forgive me and make me strong to beat this awful sin. It breaks my heart when I complain. As the night grew on, it got a lot better, and I stopped complaining. God heard my cry for help, and came to rescue me from this struggle.

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I know that complaining will be a struggle by God is making it a change in my heart to stop doing it. Instead of complaining I will try to be thankful and content to what God has given me.

Day Seven- Cell Phone Chaos

Success!

I love my phone. It goes with me everywhere. In fact it is sitting right now next to me tempting me to use it 24/7. I feel like I use my phone as a distraction in my relationship with Christ. Since I have been distracted with my phone I feel like I haven’t spent enough time with God. I feel like I put my phone before God which I never want to do. However, I will say that I use my phone to witness to my friends, be an encourager, and most important display the love of Christ.

I have been in the Old Testament lately which means I have been really focusing in on idols. I feel like an Israelite wandering in the desert when God is showing me to His plan, and I turn away because my phone seems more interesting than spending time with my Abba. Now I need to mention that the Israelites did not have cell phones but they did have gold idols that they would bow down. It is considered to be idol worshiping when I get distracted by a cellular phone.

I went the whole day without my phone. In fact it was off the whole day and plus seven hours more. I will strive to be completely free of this and continue to pray.

This was truly the hardest fast that I did, but I was able to do it because the Lord is my strength.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I pray that this post encourages you to pray about your struggles. Give it to God, beloved. He is holding your hand through everything. I learned a lot during this spring break fast. God has showed me so much, and I truly believe He has wonderful things in store for me to experience.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”