Do you completely lose control when it comes to food choices? I absolutely do. If you have been here before, you know I’m a food addict. So many of us struggle with healthy choices but my recent fascination with fasting has brought a newfound hope.
Please note: I’m not a medical professional. This is based on my personal experience and research. You may need to consult your doctor before starting a fast of any kind.
Learning about Intermittent Fasting last year sparked an interest for me in this hot topic of going without food for a period, something I’d never imagined trying in the past considering my intense love of food. I decided to take my research in the direction of biblical fasting, starting with the book A Hunger For God.
Thanks to a recommendation from Kristi in one of the comment sections of my recent fasting discussions, I just finished another fantastic book on this topic, Fasting by Jentezen Franklin.
After trying Intermittent Fasting, even with all of the positive benefits it brought, including wonderful improvements in mood and cravings, I knew something was missing.
“Stated simply, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose… As expressed by the impassioned plea of David in Psalm 42, fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord.”
-Jentezen Franklin
My purpose was off. I focused too deeply on the health benefits instead of the far greater purpose of fasting, becoming more intimate with God. Being a fairly new Christian, I didn’t understand the basic duties we are responsible for.
Pastor Franklin shares the three duties he believes to be a normal part of Christian life: giving, praying, and fasting. He backs up this claim with the words of Jesus in Matthew 6: “When you give…” and “When you pray…” and “When you fast.” Jesus clearly states when, not if, setting each as an expectation.
Giving and praying came easy to me. Fasting, not so much. Letting go of my precious food will be a harder task, but I know it’s time. Choosing God over food is a life-changing decision affecting every part of us: body, mind, and soul.
Although I’ve often discussed choosing God over food around here, tying it to the necessity of fasting hasn’t received the coverage it should. I think this immensely significant correlation makes all the difference in finally abiding by this meaningful choice.
We don’t even have to completely give up all types of food for a long period in order to grow in this important discipline. One of the most popular biblical fasts today is the Daniel fast.
“It is one of the personal fasts recorded in the Bible that brought with it great favor from the Lord. For twenty-one days, you eat only vegetables and fruits and drink only water. No colas, burgers, Twinkies, meats, sweets, or bread.” (Fasting, p.194)
Although I believe the Daniel fast to be an excellent choice, I’m starting back on the Intermittent Fasting plan that the holidays unfortunately took away from me. It allows 5 days of reasonable food choices and 2 fasting days containing one healthy meal totaling 500 calories.
My mistake of not spending enough time with God on those 2 most important days will be rectified by extra time in prayer, especially during the breakfast and dinner hours usually spent eating. I personally found lunchtime to be the best choice for the daily meal. You can choose what works best for you.
I truly believe anything we allow to become an idol in our lives will eventually destroy us. Food has been my idol for far too long. I’m looking forward to showing God how much more He means to me than anything else, even birthday cake…
Have you tried fasting in the past? Is it a part of your Christian walk? I would love for you to join me on this journey by subscribing to my free newsletter.
To purchase Fasting by Jentezen Franklin or learn more about this wonderful resource, check it out here.
If you are new here, my plan and part of my food addiction story can be found in An Addict’s Journey or you may want to visit some of the other monthly updates in the Turning to Food series.
Trudy
Speaking of birthday cake… My husband got me a Dairy Queen ice-cream cake for my birthday last week. Confession… I didn’t exactly have healthy meals for a couple of days. I love those ice-cream cakes and don’t get them very often. I’m having such cravings lately. I was doing good for a while and even lost 5 pounds, but I’ve gained it back. 🙁 Sometimes I eat a cookie, and then I berate myself for it because I wasn’t even hungry. Thanks for letting me spill my guts here, Candace. I know you understand. I hadn’t thought of Biblically fasting, though I recently heard Jentezen Franklin talk about it, but it crossed my mind – What if every time I crave something I instead grab God’s Word and read? But sometimes it seems like I eat without realizing it until later… Thank you for your encouragement to choose God over food. Blessings and hugs!
Candace
You are always welcome to vent here, my friend! I can completely relate to everything you’ve said, Trudy. I love your idea of turning to the word when a craving strikes. I wish that was an automatic thing for me. I’m hoping it will quickly become one as I continue on this fasting journey. Blessings and hugs to you!
Trudy
I wish it would be more automatic for me, too, Candace. Wishing you all the best in this brave venture.
Rebecca
I read “A 30 day weight loss bible study Taste for Truth” by Barbara Raveling. This book is good.
Candace
I love Barb’s blog! Thanks for the book recommendation, Rebecca. I’ll definitely check it out.
Aanuoluwa
This is so me, most times I want to fast with God in mind but I end up up just doing it to lose weight ( not that it gas really worked…it’s hard for me to fast). Thank you so much for this piece, I pray for the grace to commit.
Candace
Praying with you, Aanuoluwa (such a beautiful name!). It’s so hard for me to fast as well. This is something I really want to get back to again.
Rhonda
Dear Candace. I’m excited to be here.
I am a food addict. I searched for years to find what was wrong with me….it was a miserable road. I had given up things that weren’t good for me.
I was a wreck.
It was a 12 step program and eliminating sugar flour and wheat.
As a Christian I thought doing even more abuse to myself was the way to go. I lasted a month. I did eliminate the sugar flour and wheat. It was crazy. You had to write out what you were going to eat for a week and call your sponsor everyday and tell her what you ate and if you cheated why? Then huffy and discuss why. What other things you could have chose. They didn’t allow any diviations. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was time consuming. Expensive and hurtful. We had groups to participate in thru the phone. And we had strict guidelines when we shared. I learned a lot. And I did feel better. I just couldn’t do it.
I got breast cancer a couple of years after that. And I had a justified reason to eat what I wanted more. Well God showed favor upon me. I am a survivor. I quit smoking also.
Well that was 4yrs ago. I went back to unhealthy eating.
I am currently trying to do keto and intermittent fasting.
Like yourself a couple of times a week. I get off track and forget how many hours and so forth and so on.
When I ran across your page I knew this was something God would be involved in.
Of course I have a hundred questions.
So if you could give me some steps to take. I would be grateful.
I’m not sure of anything right now! Lol. Thank you
Candace
Hi Rhonda! It’s so nice to meet you. I wish I had some incredible words of wisdom and the perfect set of steps to take to lay out in front of you. Unfortunately I’m still struggling as a food addict myself. This blog is my journey through it as someone working towards the goal of healing. If you read through some of the other posts here, you can see some things that have worked for me and what hasn’t. Honestly it’s so different for everyone.
I am torn on the elimination diets. I’ve used them off and on in my journey. Some people thrive on them while others struggle. I’m a big fan of intermittent fasting for myself, but again, that can be different for everyone. Has it been helping you?
I’m so glad to have you here and look forward to getting to know you better!
Tyra
Candace,
I continue to celebrate what God reveals to you as you seek to honor Him with your time, effort, resources, treasures and even your temple. During times of fasting, if I am distracted by thoughts of food, I have a few things I repeat to myself to stay focused. I tell myself “Lord you are my daily bread. I’ll feast on your word. I hunger and thirst after righteousness and after you God. You are my river of living water and with you I am never thirsty.” This helps me redirect my thinking. Rejoicing right alongside you as we walk the path of discipleship.
Candace
What perfect words to keep you focused, Tyra! Thanks so much for sharing them here. You are a true source of strength and inspiration for me in this area. It’s been an uphill battle but I believe the pieces are finally starting to click together :).
Aanuoluwa
Hmmm…amen!
Jen
This is so very true, “I truly believe anything we allow to become an idol in our lives will eventually destroy us.” I have had a few of those myself and have had to course correct. I usually try to do one fast a month. Since I am still nursing I haven’t done one in a while, but there truly is something special that can be gathered from it when you do it in a spirit of humility and coupled with prayer. I have had great insights during my personal fasts and had wonderful answers to prayers.
Good luck my friend on this continued journey.
Candace
I’m looking forward to learning more on this topic, Jen. It’s so new to me still. One fast a month sounds like a beautifully consistent plan. I’m not too good with consistency in any area. I’m really hoping I will find it here :).
Michele Morin
Amazing how we “lift our eyes” to the fridge instead of to the God who made heaven and earth! Thanks for this honest exposition of the middle-aged Christian-women’s “drug of choice.”
Blessings!
Candace
It is absolutely our “drug of choice,” Michele. I couldn’t agree more. It seems to be the acceptable addiction in the Christian world. I’m determined to change my focus away from the fridge :). Blessings to you!
Alexa
Oh man, this is so good…so helpful as I begin my first extended (more than one day) fast tomorrow!!!
Candace
I hope all is well with your fasting journey today, Alexa. I’m so glad this was helpful for you!
Mary Geisen
I am interested to hear more about this from you. I remember when you first brought the idea of intermittent fasting up and I was intrigued then too. I am praying for you on this journey that as you seek to deepen your relationship with God, He leads you ever closer to Him and you learn that is all you need.
You are a beautiful friend and such a blessing to me! Love and hugs!
Candace
I was so excited when I learned about Intermittent Fasting, Mary. It really did wonders for my health and moods in the brief period I stayed with it. I truly believe my lack of prayer time on the fasting days is what kept it from sticking. I’m feeling hopeful :). You are such a blessing to me as well, my sweet friend!
Betsy de Cruz
Thank you for sharing a bit of your journey, Candace, and for giving us some food for thought (no pun intended!) and some ideas about fasting. I have done the Daniel fast, but have never heard about intermittent fasting. Years ago, I used to fast one day each week and found it to be so beneficial spiritually. I’ve also done it once a month, but I need to get back to that again. Thanks for your encouragement.
Candace
I discovered Intermittent Fasting last year through a BBC special from a British doctor. It really does wonders for me, Betsy. I hope adding more time with God on the fasting days will help me stay with it longer :). I’m shooting for 2 days a week for now, eventually becoming one as you did. I just really want to find some consistency with it.
Christy Mobley
Candice, you had me at the question, “Do you ever lose control when it comes to food choices? Though I haven’t tried fasting in years, I want to. Loved this informative post.
Thank for sharing on #RaRaLinkUp.
Blessings,
Christy
Candace
That is a question I think most of us say yes to, Christy. It’s so difficult to consistently make good choices with all of the highly processed, addictive foods out today, along with the massive amounts of money spent on advertising them. Thanks for hosting this week! Blessings to you.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
I have contemplated fasting but I’m kind of miserable without food – and I don’t want to be a miserable mommy to the kiddos. I like the sounds of the Daniel fast. I think that’s totally doable… and the point is, you’re doing it with your heart and mind on God.
Thanks for sharing.
Pinning this to my Deliberate FAITH board.
xoxo
Candace
I get really cranky without food too, Jennifer. I’m hoping that will get better with time and practice :). You are so right though, regardless of the plan you choose, make it about God. That is truly the point. Thanks for the pin, my friend!
Jeanne Takenaka
Candace, I confess, fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines I am weak in. I fasted from chocolate (I know, sounds silly) for maybe 18 months and prayed for the man I would one day marry. Even though it may sound silly, fasting from something I loved pointed my eyes and my heart toward Jesus, and helped me in waiting for Him to bring along the man He had for me to marry. 🙂
Because my body forces me to eat a very restricted diet, I haven’t had huge struggles with food. Sugar can be my weakness though. 🙂 I’ve tried fasting from meals, and on days when I’ve done this, those hunger pangs have reminded me to pray. I loved how you shared that we should know and focus on the spiritual reasons for fasting. I don’t always consider that. God’s looking at our hearts even more than our actions. 🙂
Have you studied Isaiah 58? That chapter has some great perspective about fasting as well.
I’m so glad I’m your neighbor at Holly Barrett’s place today!
Candace
Sugar is my weakness too, Jeanne. I can get through an entire day and realize that’s all I’ve consumed. It’s definitely an addiction for me. I will check out Isaiah 58. Thanks so much for the recommendation. Honestly, I’m still pretty new to the Bible, so I really appreciate any guidance. I think it may have been mentioned in some of the books I’ve read, but I haven’t taken the time to read the entire chapter. I’m so glad we were neighbors too :)!
Akaleistar
Fasting is such an interesting topic! I’ve fasted a few times, but it’s not something I do on a regular basis.
Candace
I’m fascinated by it too, Akaleistar. I just started studying it late last year. I’m hoping to move from reading about it to practicing it consistently :).
Judy Turnbull
Thanks so much for your post! I have struggled with being too focused on the health benefits when “attempting” fasting as well. Fasting has always been something I’ve desired to practice more of. Thanks for sharing your story and encouragement.
Candace
It’s so easy to get caught up in the health benefits, Judy. I can completely relate! I’m excited about trying to make this important shift.
Kristin Hill Taylor
I love your commitment on this journey. Thanks for sharing it with us and linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday. I’m proud of you. xo
Candace
It is still such an uphill battle for me, Kristin. Thanks for your encouragement, friend. It’s always great to join your party :).
Ceil
Hi Candace! There is another blogger who really likes the Daniel fast. It sounds like a very healthy diet to follow, remembering to add the protein you need. (There’s that nurse in me rearing her head!)
I so agree with examining purpose when starting anything. What am I trying to do? Why? It clarifies my energy. When you know you’re doing it for God, then I think He will bless you abundantly.
Best of blessings on your way!
Ceil
Candace
You are so right about protein, Ceil. I was a vegetarian for many years and never got enough, mainly because I hated beans and ate way too much junk food :). Blessings to you, my friend!
Tammy
So true about making anything an idol in our lives. Food was one for me and I know because of God, I realized that and now enjoy eating the amount I should. I have never fasted before and might be something I would look at. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Candace
Hi Tammy! I’m so glad you were able to find a way out of this food mess. I truly believe it is one of the toughest addictions to break, and I’ve had many :). Fasting is very new to me, but it has really peaked my interest lately.
All is well with my people. I hope the same for you and yours!
Carly
I enjoyed your post and it’s helpful to read your thoughts on fasting. It’s not something I’ve thought about much before but something I think God is challenging me to do so the information and book recommendations are helpful.
Candace
I really felt God pulling me towards fasting too, Carly. It’s something I never expected to become a regular part of my life. I hope you enjoy the book! Hunger For God is a great one too. The link where it’s mentioned above the Fasting book picture will lead you to more information on it if you’re interested.
Dianne Thornton
This is quite thought provoking, Candace. I will investigate the resources you referenced. I’ve done very little fasting … Well, mostly fasting from specific things for a period of time. Thanks for sharing this and have a great weekend! Visiting from the linkup!
Candace
It’s a very new discipline for me too, Dianne. I really feel God leading me to it, but it has not been an easy road. I hope you enjoy these resources. I really enjoyed all of the different books linked above. Have a great weekend!
[email protected]
What a fantastic post Candace! As someone who has a love for food ever since my mother gave me my first cookbook at 15, I can relate to those struggles. I must admit that there are just some foods that I try not to buy(ice cream for example) because I know that I will over indulge) Since the stroke almost 6 years ago, I have changed how I approach food and I am getting better. I want to eat for my health so that I can do everything that God wants me to do. I have heard of the Daniel fast and maybe it is something I will look into. I have found that when I do intermittent fasting, it allows me to focus on God and my time with Him first thing instead of fixing breakfast. Thank you for sharing your heart with us about this topic. I pray God gives us both victory over food. Blessings to you and yours!
Candace
Thank you, Horace! Food is such a difficult addiction because it’s something we can’t completely give up. We have to eat and making healthy choices can be so difficult for those of us that struggle in this area. Thank you for sharing part of your story here. I will certainly pray for you as well. I completely agree with you about intermittent fasting. Even if just skipping breakfast to focus on God, the whole day is better. Blessings to you as well!
Sonya
It’s been years since I tried fasting and I was never successful at it. I get hangry when I don’t eat, so I gave up on fasting food. But I do need to start trying to fast other things like TV and internet. These are the things that I’m usually doing when I could be studying God’s word.
Candace
I get so hangry too, Sonya! I can completely relate, my friend. I’m really hoping and praying this will subside some with time and practice. I could definitely use some TV and internet fasting too :).
Karen Del Tatto
Candace, Thank you for sharing this thought provoking post. At first as I began, I thought Uh oh, I’m unable to fast, that is in the abstaining from meals altogether that some are able to do (low blood sugar issues), but your post shed new light on how I could approach fasting.
I find myself addicted to sweets of late. An in this menopause season of life, the pounds don’t come off like they used to and then I become frustrated and it is just a vicious cycle. I also seem to have become more of an “eating for comfort” kind of person which I never was before either.
But your post spurred me on to pray when I am feeling the itch for sweets in the evening, to use that craving as a prompt to crave more of God.
Thanks so much for sharing your insights here!
Candace
I have to be careful with low blood sugar issues as well, Karen. I’m not sure I’ll ever go past a 1 day fast. I can also relate to the menopause season :). I’ve struggled with peri-menopausal issues for years. I think just abstaining from sweets is a wonderful form of fasting and choosing God over food. Thank you for sharing your story!
Sharon
Candace I’ve had a horrible fight wit weight since my mid twenties. It seem to just come from nowhere. Then in my early thirties it took on an extremely stressful job and on top of that my mother had a few strokes with the last one leaving her with no use of her right side and having to learn to eat talk and walk again several times. Needless to say our family was in a talespin. This went on until kidneys failed and amputation of both legs. It was horrible. Dad was devastated but we had promised to keep them at home since I was about 8years old. And then Dads mind started to slip. Not Bad at first until the Parkinson’s kick in. Boy was it a crazy time for us. Thankfully the job allowed me to get some help into the home but it was really hard so I just grab what I could on the run and took care of my Parents and the job the best I knew how. One day I realized I was standing in the middle of my 80,000 sq ft retail store eating breakfast at 1:00 in the afternoon while touring with my employees. And I realized that I was now close to 300 lb in pain and miserable. I also realized I had made arrangements to take care of everything and everyone except me and my relationship with Jesus. I was devastated. The is the day I knew I had to get back what was important to me. I rearranged schedules and put time for God and family first. I left the job and cared for my parents until their final days. We put God first in our lives and made the best of the health situations until God call them home. It’s a decision i will never regret. Today I’m doing the fasting every other day and have lost 74 lbs. I’m teaching a ladies group at our church and working with needy children of all ages. I’ve never felt better nor been closer to Jesus than I am right now and I only plan to get closer the rest of my earthly life. God put us here to make a difference and to bring glory to the Father. I am thrilled to finally be where he wants me. Praising the glorious name of Jesus!!!
Candace
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story here, Sharon. I’m sorry for the loss of your parents. I’m sure that was heartbreaking but how wonderful that you got to focus on caring for them in their last days. As you said, that is definitely a decision never to regret. It sounds like you have found great success today. We can do all things through Him :). Many blessings to you!
Chris Carter
I love that you have discovered that piece to be the most powerful part of fasting, Candace. Reading your experience with fasting, you inspire me to look into this more deeply and perhaps try it myself. I have had SO many horrible stomach issues, I fear this may not be the best time to do it- but then again, it might be exactly what I need to do!
Will be praying for direction in this new idea. I really appreciate your honest and authentic perspective in sharing your own personal journey with us, my friend.
Candace
It is still quite a struggle for me, Chris. I just love food way too much :). I’m taking it one meal at a time right now. Even just skipping dinner every few days with the proper intention is helping greatly. I’m hoping to become much more disciplined with this soon.
Courtney
What a great post. I was just sharing with my husband what a struggle food is becoming for me; it’s my go-to when I’m stressed or bored. I love the Lord and hadn’t considered fasting in order to have more significant time with Him and refocus my priorities. Since I do have 3 kiddos at home all day, how would you suggest being able to use the meal times to pray and spend time with him while still keeping an eye on/spending time with the kids?
Candace
I can completely relate to food being my go-to as well, Courtney. It’s an incredibly difficult habit to break. I’m not sure how old your children are, but if they can eat by themselves, maybe you could sit nearby reading your Bible or just focusing on a verse/prayer while they eat at the table. It may not be the ideal quiet atmosphere but I really don’t think it matters if your heart is in the right place which it definitely sounds like it is :). If you are still in a season of helping feed your children, maybe you could find even 5-10 minutes after to sit with God while they play. Again, I don’t think being in complete silence is as important as making the attempt to show God He is more important than food. I hope that helps. Keep in touch! I would love to hear what ends up working for you. I’m certain there are many people in your situation looking for a solution.
Sarah
There are some great fasting resources in the keto community. The Ketogenic Cookbook authored by Jimmy Moore is a great read on how to get a grip on sweet cravings. Jimmy has done a month of fasting at a time. If you read more info on him or follow him on instagram you can see how that’s going for him. I’m also highly interested in fasting from the biblical perspective and can’t wait to try it! Blessings to you on your fasting journey!!
Candace
Thanks so much for the book recommendation, Sarah. I’ll definitely check him out on Instagram as well. I can’t even imagine making it a month. I’m in awe of those who can go that type of distance. Blessings to you as well!
Lux G.
Fasting has indeed a lot of benefits both for the body and soul.
This is really motivating and informative.
Candace
The benefits are amazing, Lux! I definitely need to be more consistent with it :).
Ms. Jones
Candice,
I am struggling. Food has become an idol in my life. I am also ashamed of this sin. I became so weak because of this sin.It is a constant battle when the God who I ought to be serving is The God of Israel.
I cannot seem to understand why this has lead to a downfall. Food does not commend us to God. He will destroy food and the body.
I know this mentally but when I am in the presence of food. It all goes out of the window.
I need Jesus’ help, deliverance and forgiveness. Idol worshipers will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Yet I fall and fail.
May God please help me!!!!!
Candace
I can so relate to you, Ms. Jones. I say this often as well: “I know this mentally but when I am in the presence of food. It all goes out of the window.” I truly believe food is one of the toughest addictions to beat. I’m praying for you! We can do incredibly hard things through Christ. Just remember that :). Don’t give up and please feel free to keep in touch as we work through this together.
Jill McKechnie
Speaking from the point of someone who has been a Christian a long time. Anything can become an addiction. Even fasting. We need to be careful not to pick one thing as the answer to a problem. The Lord is the answer to our problems,
Candace
I completely agree, Jill. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced many addictions in my lifetime so I have to be very careful in that area. You are so right that the Lord is our one true answer to our problems. Thanks for that reminder!
Catherine
Thank You for sharing. I truly believe I was led to read this. I am excited and hopeful!
Candace
I’m so glad this helped you, Catherine! Seeing the word hopeful in your comment makes me smile big. We really can’t do anything without hope, yet it can certainly waver in our health struggles :).
Jackie
I have fasted before but I feel like I am not doing enough when I fast in fact I am planning on researching more on this whole idea of fasting.
Candace
It is a topic that fascinates me, Jackie! I just started researching it last year but have learned so much. Unfortunately, I’ve gotten out of the practice of consistent fasting. It’s something at the top of my list to start doing again. It really does help on so many levels.
Angelia Rozier
Hi Candace I am new to your site. I too have a food addiction and an eating disorder and truly desire to overcome this with God’s help. I noticed you do essential oils. Do you use your oils as part of your regimen to combat food addiction?
Candace
Hi Angelia, I’m so glad to have you here but sorry to hear you struggle with these issues too. Yes, I use essential oils as part of my regimen, especially for mood management which is a big part of my food addiction. I would be happy to talk with you more about this. Feel free to email me at candace{at}candaceplayforth{dot}com!
Dawn
Thank you for this article. I’ve been researching fasting a lot lately.
Candace
I really enjoyed my research in this topic, Dawn. So many beautiful benefits. I haven’t been very good about practicing it lately. I would really like to be more consistent. Something I’m definitely working on!
Rel
I just came upon your blog post via pinterest, and it was very helpful. I’ve recently come to the realization that I am addicted to food. I believe that God has been revealing this to me over the last few weeks.
I just started reading The Daniel Plan, and have been praying for guidance in fasting. Then comes along this post. Thank you again.
Candace
I love when God keeps leading me to the same thing, Rel. I sometimes need a lot of convincing ;). It’s so great to have you here. I completely understand food addiction issues. You have landed in a safe space here!
Kimberly Williams
Thank you for this article. My story might be slight different. But this past month I had felt the Lord tell me to fast. And so I did. But the length of time I heard with it scared me. And so the more I focused on the time and the task, the more I didn’t want to do it because of all of the fears that came with it, especially going to lose weight. I’m tall but I’m very thin, so I found it odd that this was what God was calling me to do, but every time I decided to end my fast early because of reoccurring chest pain, it was like everything around was telling me to keep going. His word, my conscious, bad things would happen afterwards. So I thought okay I need to finish this task the Lord is calling me to be obedient. But then it became this cycle. Back and forth, and I’ve gotten to the point where it’s concerning my mental health. I keep discussing this with my dad, and he just doesn’t get how God could ever command someone to fast but However,, I’ve researched and people have heard God tell them to do the same thing, (mind you, me and my dad are both struggling with instrusive thoughts and anxiety daily). Which also concerns me. But I comment because I feel through all of this, my desire for food scares me into thinking I’ve put it as an idol. Because when I fast, though the enemy attacks me, I feel at peace. But yet I keep returning because of Food. I never thought I’d be in this mental state, and I don’t know what to do. Is fasting the only way I can break this truly?
Candace
I don’t think fasting is by any means the only way, Kimberly. It sounds like you may want to seek some outside help. I’ve found some wonderful assistance through mental health professionals. Anxiety has been a lifelong struggle for me as well. I’m praying now for you and your dad. I’m so sorry to hear you both are struggling. Food becomes an idol for me far too often. I’m such a work in progress in this area and probably always will be in some way or another. I understand your pain and pray you find relief soon.
Kimberly Williams
Thank you so much Candice for the advice and I appreciate the prayers. God bless you 🙂
Heather L.
I so needed to see this! I also saw the BBC special on intermittent fasting & it intrigued me. I had tried fasting occasionally after that but would feel like such a failure if I didn’t have a perfect fast. A couple months ago (literally) I felt I needed to look into 5:2 again. I changed my thinking & have had about 1 successful fast a week. But I’m not beating myself up about it this time! I have also had this feeling God has something more for me through all of this, which is what I’ve been crying out for & exactly what I keep running from & am now feeling those same negative thoughts*trying* to creep back in. Thank you for the resources. We serve a loving & merciful God & I believe He wants us to prosper in every aspect of our life. Prayers for you on your journey!
Candace
I struggle with striving for perfection too, Heather. I completely understand! He definitely wants more for us :). Don’t let those negative thoughts win. You’re doing great! Thanks so much for the prayers. Praying for you as well!