Day 9 of Fasting: Direction

It's Day 9. Sunday aftermoon.

Disclaimer To Skeptics: At first I didn't want to share with anyone that I was going on this prolonged fast. And that wasn't because I wanted to be more spiritual about the whole thing. No, it was because I didn't want accountiblity for falling off a 40 Day Fast wagon and disgracing the Lord and myself. That was one initial thought that ran through my head as I prayed. I didn't want others to think I was parading my fast as a badge of spiritual honor. I was also concerned if I failed that it would discourage others. And, I knew how terrible I would feel if I was caught at Cracker Barrel ordering the Old Timers Country Breakfast (buttered grits, of course) and a sweet tea. Next would be my initiation meeting at Fast Breakers Anonymous. "Hi. I'm Karen and I'm a Fast Breaking Christian." I'm not trying to be trite about this, but honest. I decided that if I was going to be serious about this, I needed to be accountable.

So, I have asked people to pray for me as I walk through this time. Making my journey a part of this blog is also a form of accountability. Not very "coachlike" of me, maybe. But, part of coaching and serving others in Christ is being real and honest with them. If I was a cardiac surgeon who had a heart attack, it wouldn't mean I was a bad doctor. It would mean I would know what had proven to work to heal my illness. I think part of being an effective, caring coach comes from having experienced life's challenges and found the path to overcoming them. God gave me a map to hope and healing and I have a passion to share that map with others.

Physically, I have felt sick since last night and felt too weak to go to church today. I did watch my pastor, Dr. David Uth from First Baptist Orlando on cable. His message on ACTS has been so powerful. I then spent the entire morning (its now afternoon), praying, studying and weeping before the Lord.

I asked the Lord what I needed to change about this fast and He showed me. I was not disciplined enough with the liquids I have been drinking. Milk products keep digestion in full gear, making you hungry (and cranky!), so there goes my milk chocolate and banana Instant Breakfast. Since the age of 13, being a loyal consumer of this product, Instant Breakfast had never tasted so good to me as it did this past week. But, I was getting so hungry that visions of a well charred, seasoned, grilled by my handsome husband, filet mignon, with bearnaise sauce, baked potatoe and an incredible salad graced with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing were dancing in my head. (I need to catch my breath now.) Add chocolate mousse cake to that and you've wrapped up my fasting day dreaming session.

Instead of rebuking me for my savory visions, God showed up this morning to fill me, teach me, encouarge me and bring me specific direction about what He has for me in ministry and work. My body could use a big dose of energy (do you think Starbucks is allowed during a fast? Probably not), but my spiritual vision is crystal clear in many of the areas I am seeking Him about. I'll share that with you tomorrow.

I am praying that God will have His way in the lives of everyone who reads this and you will benefit from my experience with this discipline of fasting. Oh, and if any of you have great Thanksgiving recipes for me to consider making for my return to eating debut, send them on, Family!

Treasuring You in His Love,
Karen
The Treasured Life Coach