Sugar Fast Day 3
Late afternoon is the most challenging for me. By about 4:00 I start to get hungry. An hour later, when I’m ready to head home from work all I want to do is swing through Dunkin’ Donuts for a mocha. I’ve learned that when I am hungry I look for the fastest way to quench the hunger. Usually that is NOT a healthy choice. Yet, I am breaking the stronghold in the days ahead.
In today’s reading in The 40 Day Sugar Fast I read about Joshua leading the Israelites from the wilderness to the promise land. Do you know the story? Joshua and his men had to pass through Jericho. Joshua met the commander of the Lord’s army who told him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Holy ground!
What if I thought of this journey as one on holy ground? In some ways this seems a bit odd. Fasting from sugar doesn’t feel like a holy journey. When the cravings come it feels more like a fiery trial. But, am I not hoping for more from this fast from sugar than just a smaller waistline? Yes. I am.
Hopes for this Fast
Just like the Israelites, I am believing God will bring down the stronghold of sugar in my life. I am praying for God to reveal the plans He has for me as I emerge from the sugary fog. I am shouting a victory over sugar today and in the days to come. I am imagining myself slipping off my shoes and marching, barefoot, on the solid ground of my faith in Christ. Each step bringing me closer and closer to the promise land.
If you, too, are on a journey of breaking a stronghold in your life, be comforted. God is the master of breaking down anything that is holding you back. Call out to Him for guidance and strength and praise Him for what He is about to do in your battle.
When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?”
“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as commander of the LORD’S army.”
Then Joshua bowed with his face to the ground in worship and asked Him, “What does my Lord want to say to His servant?”
The commander of the LORD’S army said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13-15)