Sugar Fast Day 16
It feels as if I have been on this fast forever. I’m not even halfway through, yet my desire for a piping hot, deliciously chocolaty mocha is calling to me. Why 40 days? Why not 21…the number of days it takes to form a new habit?
In the Bible a lot of people went through a lot of things for 40 days:
- Noah was in a flood (Genesis 7:4-8:6)
- Moses met with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18) and he fasted. (Exodus 34:28)
- The prophet Elijah fasted for this many days. (1Kings 19:8)
- Goliath threatened the people 40 days before David overthrew him. (1Samuel 17)
- Ezekiel was instructed by God to lay on his left side for 40 days (Ezekiel 4:5-6)
- Jonah warned the people of Nineveh to repent for 40 days (Jonah 3:4)
- Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2)
- After his resurrection Jesus spent 40 days on earth before ascending into heaven (Acts 1:3)
WHY 40?
God clearly used a 40 day period to bring about spiritual change in His people. Within this time of spiritual challenge, God’s desire was to see spiritual growth. This growth often included repentance from sins, overcoming temptations and strengthening of faith. I have found the same to be true in my fasting journey. As I relinquish sugar God is showing me other areas that need attention. He is revealing areas of repentance. God is strengthening me when I am tempted; wooing me to Himself instead of sugar. He is also helping me to grow and mature in my faith. As I rely on God for the strength I need to keep moving forward. The following verse reminds me that I will remain strong as I wait upon Him to guide me.
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)