As a family of seven (mom, dad, and five girls), we decided to do a five-day “homemade” juice fast for all of our meals. The youngest two fasted for two days, while the older three committed to the five-day journey with us. However, prior to making the commitment, their father (me) didn’t realize it was finals week for the three older girls, with the oldest having tests in four AP classes, and the 2nd having to run a mile for her PE final, as well as class parties (with food) to celebrate the end of the semester.
“Should I tell them to do a partial fast?” “Perhaps they should cut down the days.” “She’ll faint halfway through the mile.” “What if my 11th grader bombs her tests, will that directly impact college opportunities and scholarship money?” In a matter of a few seconds, these were some of the thoughts that flashed through my mind.
Then I remembered Daniel and his friends, four young kids in Babylon, who also decided to fast just before the biggest test they had ever taken (Daniel 1). On the day of the test, the king interviewed them and these four boys were found to be the wisest, in fact, ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in the land.
With finals and fasting behind us, and the results of the tests unknown, we live life full of hope knowing that God always rewards trust and obedience. Are you facing a test? Will you trust and obey whatever God is telling you to do? You won’t regret it!
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Thanks for reminding me of Daniel. I loved all the pastor’s messages about fasting this week. I fasted two meals each day last week because I’m diabetic. I noticed in the middle of the week my mind seemed to be clearer and it was easier to concentrate and be sensitive to God. (My Daniel experience!). Love & Prayers.