Around a month ago, God began speaking to me about letting the Spirit control my mind, my will and my emotions. I was prompted to fast which really you aren't suppose to boast about, but I want to explain the lesson. The reason is that fasting allows the Holy Spirit to have control of the mind, will and emotions. The fast allows you to intentionally deny your flesh that the Spirit may lead.
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16 NIV
I had been asking God for a key to successful weight loss also. My weight has been a roller coaster ride for many years, and it has been a steady uphill climb for awhile now. Everything I did seemed to put my focus on food which was not what I wanted...how many points, what will I eat next...I have tried with seasons of success that didn't last and needed to get out of the hamster wheel. I needed the Spirit to be in control! He is much stronger than I am!
I began a Daniel fast once a week as I believed I was being directed. It has been awesome! My fast days have not been about losing weight, and I don't think that has happened yet. The days are about Holy Spirit being in control! My focus most days is God, but my focus became even clearer on those days. I also noticed that the days after my fast I didn't really desire a bunch of different foods.
One of the cool ways that God confirmed this path to me was through a lady I met at my homeschool co-op. She is the wife of a pastor at a local Baptist Church. We have a mutual friend. I don't know how the conversation started, but she ended up sharing that her husband began a liquid only fast twice a week a couple months ago. Pretty much, he was prompted the same way I was, to allow the Spirit to control in every area beginning with food choices. Later, I will share a book the Lord led me to as another confirmation, and trust me, this goes way beyond food. It is just about crucifying my useless flesh...
"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24 NASB
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all..." John 6:63a ESV
It doesn't matter how much the scale says; it matters how much control food has over you, what place it holds in your heart. The outward appearance can be deceiving...It also isn't just about food...you know what it may be for you.
Who's got the wheel in your life...flesh or Spirit?
