Fasting is Over... Now What?

It is the day after your fast.

You have downloaded social media back on your phone, drank your weight in caffeine, and have eaten 2 donuts. You reflect on the habits you have built, the deeper connection you feel with God, and the clarity and direction you have received from Him. But you might be asking yourself, now what? I have spent time in prayer preparing for this fast, I have spent time doing this fast…

but what should I spend time doing after this fast?

1. Write it all down.

Take time and write down everything that you were searching for with God and what you you heard from Him. Write down the worship songs He put on your heart and the verses He put in your mind. If they don’t make sense yet, they will. This fast will be a part of your testimony - no matter how big or how small the insight and direction you received. Not only does it help you to tell your testimony, but it will help others when they ask you, “Why should I fast?” You will be able to go back, look into your notes, and share the goodness and faithfulness of your God.

"2 Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation
   and make it plain on tablets
   so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
   it speaks of the end
   and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
   it will certainly come
   and will not delay.'" Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV)

2. Keep fasting.

If there is something in your spirit that tells you to keep fasting, listen to it! It is the Holy Spirit letting you know there is still something for you to see, to hear, to break off, and to break through. Sometimes our plans for fasting change, and that’s okay! Maybe you feel led to fast something else. Maybe you feel led to keep fasting, but only on Wednesday evenings. Whatever it may be, the Lord is wanting to download something to you so you can grow closer to Him through prayer and fasting.

3. Don’t be discouraged.

If God didn’t answer you directly for what you were believing in and asking for, don’t be discouraged. Remember, we don’t fast to get a magic answer to something, we fast to grow closer to God. IN growing closer to God, we are able to see His will and plan for our lives that help lead us down the path of righteousness. Just because you didn’t hear directly from God or you still feel unsure about something, doesn’t mean God isn’t working in you and for you. Silence doesn’t always mean “no” from God, it could really mean “not yet”. Don’t give up.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

4. Keep pressing into God.

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Fasting can be one of the most challenging disciplines we do as Christians, but it brings heaven to earth unlike anything else. I believe God wants you to know that He is proud of you. Whether you feel like you "succeeded" or "failed" these past 21 days, know that you haven't missed out on God. He is always ready to speak to you and to connect with you. Keep making yourself available, and keep making space for Him every day.

So congratulations on your fast! I hope and pray that you have grown closer to God and that He feels near to you. May He go before you in all you do, and may you allow The Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you always.

Every day is a good day for a breakthrough!