Day 1 - What and Why

Welcome to day one of blogging and fasting! If I am being honest, I don't really know where God plans to take this journey over the next 21 days. All I know, is that when we take the time to deny our flesh and press into what God is doing, we find ourselves vulnerable to getting more attacked and feeling more discouraged by the enemy. The purpose of the 21 days of blogging and fasting is to be that light during the tough times and that confirmation during the not so tough times. Everyone needs a push or reminder at different points to encourage their faith - and that's what I am here to do!

Why do we fast? I am not sure what draws you to fast, but for me, fasting has always been an outlet. An outlet where nothing else is present or clouding my mind. It is just me and God. One on one for a period of time so that I can recalibrate and come back in tune with His heart. For some of you fasting may be a last attempt at believing. It may be a last attempt at hoping. For some, it may just be a weight loss plan or just another "holy" thing to cross off your list of good deeds. Whatever fasting is to you, I believe that God wants to exceed that perspective. Whether it be a good one or a bad one, God wants to renew it and expand it. He wants to dig deep in your heart and heal you. He wants to dig deep in your memory and restore you. He wants to invite you to join Him in the heavenly realm so that you may have a better perspective of what He is doing and of who He is.

When I think of fasting I often think of the many times Jesus removed himself from the crowds just to have a moment with the father. He silenced the noise and requests just so that He can be filled in the secret place. So that He can be comforted and renewed, in the secret place. So, if Jesus needed to, then how much more are we in need of silencing the noise and renewing our minds? Fasting isn't a punishment and it isn't just denial of the things you desire. Fasting is trading what you want for what you need - and that's more of Him. More of His love, more of His grace, more of His presence, and more of His peace.

Friend, I don't know what your last year has looked like. For me, it has been interesting to say the least. I have lost and I have found. I have mourned and I have been restored. But can I remind you of one thing before we go any further? God is faithful and you can trust Him. You can trust Him for the next 21 days and you can trust Him beyond that. So much has happened and changed but God has remained the same. He has never left, and I don't think He plans on leaving any time soon. Set your year up on Him, the only solid rock that withstands through it all.

Here are just a few scriptures that I am standing on for the next couple of weeks. Let God confirm His word in His own way, and watch your faith rise. Find one that speaks to you and write it down:

Ephesians 3:20

Hebrews 10:23

Numbers 23:19

Jeremiah 32:27

1 Peter 5:10

Matthew 6:33

Exodus 14:14

Psalms 107:7

My prayer and expectation for you and for me over these next couple of weeks is that you experience the fruit of your faith and the majesty of Jesus in every aspect of your life. As we journey into a new year and season, I want our hearts to be set on what God has planned in His perfect will. Each day I hope to share with you some kind of encouragement or challenge that will open your heart up to receive all that God has for you. In the tangible and in the intangible. Some days the word may just be for me, and that's okay! I want my battles of faith to always remind the next person that they are not alone, and that God is always with them. I will end each post with a prayer that you can read internally, say out loud, or just simply receive in your heart. If at any point you or someone you know has a prayer request, please don't hesitate to reach out! You can send a DM on Instagram and Facebook OR go to the 'Contact' tab on my website and scroll down to the 'Prayer Request' form. I love you and I am believing with you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for this opportunity to unite in faith with whoever is in need during these next 21 days. And even those who aren't in need, I stand with them also. Meet us here. We are in desperate need of your presence and love alone. We are expectant God. Unlike ever before. Blow. Our. Mind. Show us your glory and majesty. There’s no holding back and no more fear. Only faith and only hope and only belief. We are stepping out of our boat to meet you on the water. We are keeping our eyes fixed on you. You can do anything. Nothing is impossible for you. Absolutely nothing. We believe that and we declare that. I am excited for the story we'll tell. I can’t wait to read this after the 21 days and see what you have done and where your presence has met us. I pray that you would go beyond what we are even asking for and praying according to. Do more. Expand in the areas that we haven’t even thought about. This life is yours. In Jesus name, all these prayers are sealed with your mighty blood. Amen.