When I chose to do a modified Daniel fast (adding a small amount of fish, chicken breast or low fat dairy), this is the verse that would keep coming into my mind. I didn’t know what to expect but knew that the Lord was calling me to this fast. I’ve known for a while that God has called me to intercessory prayer – especially for healing. What I didn’t know was that God would use this fast to bring me to a different level of prayer and sensitivity to the prayer needs of others. Since beginning the fast, I have found myself crying more frequently – crying for the friend whose mother was murdered, for girls desperate enough to attempt to commit suicide, for a friend with a shattered marriage, for parents of a daughter in jail on felony charges, for a friend whose husband was having dangerous surgery. I cried for all of the women of our church who have had abortions (like someone near and dear to me, who told me 1 in 6 Christian women have had abortions) and who lock their secret shame in their hearts telling no one because they have no idea that their Savior just wants to hold them and set them free. I cried for the other secrets locked in the hearts of members of our congregation because they believe the enemy’s lies that this secret sin is too bad for even Jesus to forgive – secrets that keep them in bondage, not knowing the extent of Jesus’ mercy. I cried for those who have secret hurts and don’t know that the Gentile Healer desires to heal even the deepest wounds. I cried for friends of my sons, friends who see no need for God and have refused every invitation to come and meet Jesus. Sometimes, I didn’t even know who I was crying for and praying for until later.

The fast has also been a reminder of Who is God and who is not and the importance of obedience to God.

I know that often a purpose of fasting is to have extra time to be with God since we’re not preparing food or eating, but the Daniel fast doesn’t free up time. I wondered how God was going to bring about that extra time with Him that I needed as part of this journey. He started to take me on long walks with Him, knowing that it may take me a few miles before I can even get beyond the “mom thoughts and concerns” so that I could listen to Him and pray for those He calls to my mind.

The fast brought a totally unexpected surprise – I have more energy than I’ve had in years. In fact, those long walks now add up to 35 or 40 miles a week, which allows for a lot of time with the Lord – time to see His character displayed in His creation and to fall in love with Him again, time to hear what He wants to say to me, time for Him to heal hurts in my heart, time to pray. I have come to the conclusion that what started as a fast has to (with few changes) become a way of life.

I stand in amazement at the work the Lord does in us when we obey his call to fast and am anxious to hear the stories of others and how their fast has changed their lives.

Oh, we’re working with our kids to help them understand what Lent is and find how they can participate. I fully want them to understand this concept and be able to use it as they grow. For now one gave up his favorite airplane and has encouraged me to remain faithful in my fasting – even chastising me at times. Another one decided not to participate, another tried and failed to give up thumb sucking and one has been faithful in giving up jumping in mud puddles! Just baby steps…