Hello, Happy Friday! …it’s getting warmer. 😀

It’s been a real snowy winter so far, hasn’t it? I love the snow, but not in the city. It’s  way too messy.

I would like to share a story. It’s a little long, so I hope you can grab a few extra moments to read it.   

I’ve always loved writing my thoughts more than sharing them verbally. That is why this journal has been so rewarding for me.   My journaling journey blog actually began on the same day I ended a 10 day fast (not planned by me.).

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4

Please, don’t run away now!  Fasting is a gift. It brings us fast forward to the very presence of God. Each person’s fasting experience will be different/special because we are all unique to Him.  

Fasting is literally a weapon given to us, along with prayer, to overcome and have victory over our besetting sins, strongholds, attitudes, and even addictions!  But, most and best of all, it brings us into a closer relationship with Jesus.  Fasting pushes the flesh to the back of the line and allows our spirit, the part of us who loves to be with God, to rise and hear His voice very clearly. It’s truly amazing!

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”” – ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Fasting humbles us and purifies the deep places in our hearts. I would encourage anyone to ask God to lead them in this area. Ask Him, then allow Him to direct you. A good idea would be to read up on some testimonies of others who have walked this path of fasting and their results. I came across this today and had to share.

“When you stare at God long enough, you can’t help but fall in love. Where else in Heaven or earth could you possibly find such love, such purity, such mercy? Where else but in Jesus could you ever find such understanding, empathy, and grace? Where else but in God could you ever see such holiness and majesty?  The answer is “nowhere.” Only God is worthy of adoration and praise. That’s why all of Heaven cries out, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12 ESV)

When we separate ourselves unto God by fasting, we see Him more clearly than we’ve ever seen Him. And when we see Him better, we can’t help but love Him more.

We can grow faster spiritually when we draw close to God through fasting. Why?  Because fasting tunes out the noises and distractions in life and tunes us into the voice of the Holy Spirit who is able to search our hearts and show us where He wants to work. That’s when growth takes place, quickly!

On a beautiful summer day back in 2018, I sat down on my chair in my back porch to read.  At this point of time in my life, God had orchestrated things in such a way that He led me to stay at home due to some medical issues.  Too much to explain at this time. Let’s just say that He led every step of the way. So, here I was with time to sit down without the rush to be somewhere or to do something! I’ve always believed that time is so precious. God knew my heart and how I longed to have that quiet time with Him again. Thank you, Father.   

I found myself seeking Him that day like never before, praying for my family and for peace in all things. I read all afternoon and took many notes.  As the day went by, I knew I was to continue through the night.  I made Mike dinner and went into my bedroom. The next day, the same grace came upon me and I knew I was to continue seeking Him all day into next, and the next.  After 3 days, I was led to break my fast with a dinner.  I didn’t want to ever ever come back from this incredible time/place with God, but taking medicine on an empty stomach was not a wise thing to do for long.  I was, however, able to continue this journey by fasting from social media and just eating dinners. I did this for a while and I still do it occasionally, when He leads.

Ever since that summer day, my relationship with Jesus has completely changed.  He healed places in my heart I didn’t even realize were sick. He knows those deep places in our hearts that we can not see. 

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” – Jeremiah 17:10 ESV

I can’t go into all the details of what happened as a result of this fasting time, but I have written and continue to write much of it here on my journaling blog. I hope you get a chance sometime and go back and read some of my experiences. The most precious gift I have received is being closer to Him.  Knowing that I am truly loved, inside and out, without conditions.  I really struggled with that for a long time. He healed my heart.  He continues to teach and guide me.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” – ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭32:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Oh and by the way, during this time of fasting we somehow got a brand new bathroom!  We have lived here 24 years and have always kept things clean and painted. However, we had a leak and our new landlord came to fix it. Three months later we had brand new floors, walls, windows, stove, ceiling and a new in-wall air conditioner unit!! Yes, God is very kind and cares about all things pertaining to His children. 😀

Here’s another amazing story. My new neighbor is also my friend and sister in Christ. It just so happened that the apartment on the second floor suddenly became available at the same time she was looking to move from her place.  I just happened to mention it to her after church service the day it was opened! Next thing I knew, she’s living upstairs, which by the way is where I used to live and where my husband and I raised our boys.  Amazing!!!  Oh, and she too received a renovated apartment and brand new bathroom!

Joy, deliverance, healing, power, faith, understanding, and deeper love for God. These are just a few of the kindnesses that are given when He receives what is rightly His, our obedience! Jesus said, “When you fast…” not if you fast. Oh how I pray we all will trust Him more in this area.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:16

I hope you were encouraged and that you too will ask Him to help you draw closer and closer to Him as these days become more and more uncertain. Thank you visiting this blog and sharing in my journey.

Hugs to all!