Fasting Stories

God’s Timing

fastingbsfbc — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:33:30 +0000

I began fasting all food on March 1st. On the 8th day, I was invited to go to Chile to assist in earthquake relief efforts. For the first time my wife, Barbara, was also available to go with me. It was a remarkable experience and I am certain God’s perfect timing put us in the right place at the right time to do the right thing for him. Since our return, our lives have changed significantly. I am convinced God is equipping us for new opportunties. Brad Rogers

Remarkable Journey

fastingbsfbc — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:09:31 +0000

The 30 Day Road Trip was one of the most remarkable months of my life. It brought my wonderful wife, Freida, and I closer together as husband and wife; as well as bringing us BOTH closer to the Lord than we have ever been before.
I fasted evening snacking which was a real challenge for me. I also gave up that evil idol known as the TV Remote. I cut out ALL evening TV, committing myself to Bible Study only.
Freida and I committed to doing our “Road Trip Study” each evening. We would start early and our study would lead to our talking about all sorts of things ….. bringing us closer than we had EVER been before. We shared our feelings, knowledge, questions and challenges like never before …. We became the “husband and wife” we always hoped we would be. We would look up at the clock and see we had been talking sometimes for 3 or 4 hours.
This was ONLY POSSIBLE because we decided to “Open the Bible and study HIS Word” and totally commit to becoming closer TO HIM.
I truly found that you can not be completely true and honest with ANYONE until you “get closer to God and His teaching”. EVERYTHING GOOD starts with HIM. HE is the great Teacher and Provider; and nothing is real or long lasting unless it “goes through HIM first”.
Thank you, Hank, and thank you, God, for this “Road Trip”; and for the incredible blessings I’ve received from taking this journey !!!
This is a journey this husband and wife will travel together forever !!!

Don Jones

Aha!

fastingbsfbc — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:39:57 +0000

Aha!

The 30-day fasting and prayer challenge was such a blessing for our family. We decided to fast from having sweets and eating out. We were amazed at the opportunities those choices presented us to talk about the fast and our faith with others. Even our kids were able to share with their friends at the little daycare/preschool they attend. The teachers there often use candy/suckers to bribe the kids or reward the kids for doing what they are asked. Well, one day during circle time they got their suckers and Brady told his teacher as well as the entire class that he was going to have to put his up and hold it till the end of our 30 days because we were fasting. He then proceeded to ask the kids if they knew what fasting meant? He went on to tell them that it was “not having” something and when you “don’t have” that thing that you say a prayer to God about it. Whoa! This little guy is only 5 and has such a heart for the Lord and the Lord is shining through him. We were so touched by God’s amazing love.

Our little Keely also shared the fast with her friends at school. They were having marshmallows for snack one day and she told her teacher that she was fasting so she could not have a marshmallow, but that she would sure like a cookie!!! Ha Ha. She is 3! God is working on her too!!

Scott and I had many opportunities to talk with our colleagues as a result of not eating out. We were able to share our faith in ways and with people we would have never imagined. We had been praying for God to reveal himself to us and to bring us closer to Him and to show us ways to grow in our faith before Hank brought this challenge to us….we believe this time was certainly a divine appointment for us. It was not all easy and Satan was certainly trying to tear us down, but our God is good and faithful and carried us through. We grew closer to him and closer as a family.

I kept thinking there would be a big “aha” moment at some point, but God showed me on the 29th day that it wasn’t about a big “aha”, it was about a daily relationship with Him. It was about his faithfulness, his love and his goodness that he gives us for free if we just take it. It was about putting our trust in him and relying on him daily to fill us up and get us through. He is there for the big and the small……we just have to give it to him. We would like to thank Hank and our church leadership for this opportunity and for their vision and their passion. We are honored to call BSFBC our church home.

Marcy and Scott Price

Research

fastingbsfbc — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:18:30 +0000

I decided instead of playing games on my computer every night, I would use that time to research more information about my bible studies lessons. I have really enjoyed this 3o Day Challenge. It has given me time to be closer to God.

My wife and I did the devotion study every night. You would think after being married over 51 years, you are pretty close, but this devotion time has brought us even closer.

Jerry Fowler

Waiting

fastingbsfbc — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:56:47 +0000

I decided that fasting a food would not be a sacrifice for me since I have always had to refrain from eating snacks and sweets so I decided I would give up procrastinating. I am very good at it and have been a procrastinator for years. During this 30 day challenge, I tackled things I had been putting off for years. So I just kept moving every day, tackling chores I had been putting off. I sorted through 50 years worth of tax returns and got all of that shredded!.
I really enjoyed our time each night doing the daily devotions. Jerry and I would sit in our recliners and read aloud the devotion and then the scripture for the day. Then he and I would sit next to each other on the couch, hold hands , and pray together. The journey we took during this month was a beautiful experience for both of us.

Lib Fowler

Comfort

fastingbsfbc — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:41:26 +0000

This month I fasted pop( soft drinks), ice cream and all sweets. I have a real sweet tooth and still baked cookies and brownies for my Mom so this fast has been a real challenge for me. On the 22nd day, I learned that my mother’s brother had passed away in Arizona and I had to go to break the news to her. It was a very difficult day and as I drove home that night, I thought, “I sure could use some ice cream right now”, but I resisted. I just prayed for my Aunt and Mom for the rest of the drive home.

Two days later , as I was reading the Road Trip Devotion and reflecting on the week, the thought came to me-I don’t need to turn to ice cream for comfort in times of stress or sorrow. Jesus is is all I need. He sent the Holy Spirit to be my comforter. I need to just find comfort in His Word and turn to Christ for my strength. I think that is the lesson God had for me this past month.

Linda