As I mentioned in my last recap of the month, I participated in the Mid-Year Prayer and Fasting of our church (Victory Makati). The fast went on for three consecutive days from July 3-5.
For this activity, I banned all my social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and YouTube) as well as coffee and did a Daniel Fast for the meal.
And today I’d like to share to you what I learned (what God revealed to me) especially in this church activity.
Giving Up Coffee as a Coffeeholic
As a big coffee drinker, I thought it would be hard for me not to drink caffeine for three days.
On a normal day my coffee time is something I treasure a lot. I have a schedule when I will drink. Coffee keeps me in the zone to write whether it would be for work or for the blogs.
I always tell people I can’t survive a day without coffee. I NEED COFFEE! But, true enough, God’s grace will suffice.
During the three-day prayer and fasting, I didn’t feel sleepy or less energized all day.
Here’s what God revealed to me:
Being in God’s presence can give renewed energy and strength in a way coffee had never done. Even without coffee, I can survive the day as long as I am in Christ.
I love coffee, I need coffee but I love and need God the most.
Eating Fruits and Vegetable Only
I never did a meal fast. I tried once when I was a new Christian but ultimately failed for lack of preparation.
Water only, liquid and one meal were the options given from the booklet but there’s also a space for Others.
I was researching for other biblical fast I can do and saw the Daniel Fast. Below is the excerpt from the Bible:
Daniel 1:12-15 New International Version (NIV)
[12] “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” [14] So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.[15] At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food
I followed this guide from Wikipedia, which based on my research is really the modern practice/application of the Daniel Fast today.
Food choices may be limited to whole grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds and oil. The Daniel Fast prescribes the vegan diet in that it excludes the consumption of animal products. The diet also excludes processed foods, additives, preservatives, flavorings, sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and products made with white flours.
For the three days my meal consists of mango and salad. I also only drink water and even refused bottled drinks even if it says that the flavor is lemon.
The meal was a bit of a challenge. Day 1 pa lang may temptation na. Our Group Head treated everyone for a feast/meryenda since it was her birthday. All my workmates were inviting me to eat and I don’t know how to tell them na I’m fasting without sounding like I’m bragging or becoming righteous.
Here’s what God revealed to me:
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 it says;
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Nakakakilig si God di ba?!
God has a way for one to overcome such situation. I calmly explained that I’m joining a Prayer and Fasting activity in the church then isolated myself at the back so I won’t cause much confusion and answer our booklet instead.
Quitting Social Media (FB, Messenger, Instagram and YouTube) for 3 Days
The social media fast isn’t new to me. I did it during the annual prayer and fasting every first week of the New Year and survived. I also did one during my vacation in Eastern Samar since there was no signal in the province.
Having time away from social media is the best gift you could ever give to yourself. And something you might end up doing every now and then sa sobrang daming benefits and revelation.
Here are some for me:
Longer hours during the day
I tend to check my social media almost every hour at work. Graben noh? This turned out to be an ultimate distraction.
When you don’t check social media, you begin to realize you actually have longer hours, that you can do more work, cross out more tasks on your to do list.
Sanity restored
Because I’m always checking my phone and updating myself on what’s happening to my friends I began to feel out of focus.
I started minding others business instead of focusing on mine. I allowed social media to control my time and in effect control my day.
When I visit Facebook there’s no way I won’t visit Instagram and check Messenger. This routine just soaked my mind
As soon as I quit social media, my sanity was restored. I gained instant control of my limited time. Feeling in control instead of enslaved by social media is a great feeling and something I am grateful for.
I stopped comparing myself to everyone
Seeing how others are living their life can have an effect to one’s self. You end up comparing yourself to the lives of everyone you know.
I do this all the time especially since most of my friends are having boyfriend, getting married or being pregnant.
As a single woman it can be pretty hard to digest what’s happening. I admit I have days when I do wonder why I’m still single. I get lonely and really start to compare which is bad.
Galatians 6:4 says;
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
Being away with social media, even for a while, cleared my mind from the burden of comparing myself to others. I started to have a grateful heart and really writing down what I’m thankful for.
But I still need God for the power of the Holy Spirit that I may be able to stay away from hate and comparing. That sincere happiness for the success of others will be an overflow in my life.
I conquered my fear of missing out
I thought I missed so much happenings during the three days I fasted. As soon as the third day arrived, I checked my notifications, my messages.
Turned out there wasn’t really much I missed.
Life is still normal for everyone. There is also nothing wrong in not sharing everything that I do on social media.
What I ate, what I drank, what I saw, where I went, how I feel, etc. There are moments worth sharing, and there are those that are NOT.
The fear of missing out just because of social media is something everyone ought to conquer. A detox for three days could really help, I’m telling you!
Overall
Overall, I enjoyed joining the Mid-Year Prayer and Fasting this 2018. I am thankful to God for He truly empowered me all throughout. As for the breakthroughs I know they will be done in God’s time. I stand in victory over the promise God Has bestowed upon me. His plans before and above mine.
Have you fasted ever in your life?
.png)
No comments