Sugar Fast Day 39
For the last 29 days I have been reading one Proverb each day. This morning Proverb 29:18 caught my eye as a good reminder that we all need help finding vision.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)
It is a familiar passage thanks to Dave Ramsey and his proven path to debt freedom. Dave often quotes this scripture when talking about people who want to get out of debt, hope to get out of debt, but have no vision nor plan to do so. With only two days to go on my sugar fast I don’t want to be on the road to perishing because I have no vision for continuing on the path to sugar freedom. I want to remain on a path for finding vision.
Finding Vision
As I studied this verse, I looked at several commentaries. The Life Application Study Bible had this to say: “Where there is ignorance or rejection of God, crime and sin run rampant.” Likewise, The Moody Bible Commentary said this: “Without a message from the Lord, the people will be unrestrained or running wild with disastrous consequences for the nation as a whole.” How should I apply Proverb 29:11 to my life as I end my fasting? I start by asking myself a few questions.
- Have I heard from God during this fast? My answer is YES. God has revealed several things to me these past weeks.
- Will I reject these messages from God? My answer is NO. If I simply forget what God has shown me and return to my life pre sugar fast I will most definitely perish. I am in danger of running wild and returning to a life without restraint. And, as Solomon points out, disastrous consequences will surely follow.
- Do I have a vision for life after this fast? My answer is YES. This fast has proven to me that life without daily cookies and mochas is possible. The world doesn’t stop turning just because I choose not to consume sugar. I can actually envision my life without daily sugar. I can see how my thoughts about many things and a daily surrendering my will to the will of God can play out in my life. I can see victory.
- Am I strong enough to continue living out a life centered on God and not sugar? Again my answer is YES. I also know that I am stronger than my craving for sugar. These last couple of months I have been surrounded by yummy treats and been able to refrain from partaking. I’ve even had the strength to say “no thank you” when offered a sweet treat. I AM stronger than my sugar cravings!!
I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that there is a small part of me that is afraid of backsliding. But at the same time I know this:
He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
I can set my mind on the things above and not on earthly things. (Col. 3:2)
I am more than a conqueror in Christ. (Rom. 8:37)
If God is for me who can be against me. (Rom. 8:31)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
So here is to day 41 and beyond. I can’t wait to see what God has for me next.