Hello, my darling! Welcome back to the blog. I’m sitting here in our cosy home, wrapped up in a blanket, with the kettle whistling in the background—nothing new around here, except the house is quieter today (and I’m not complaining!). My daughter is finally napping, so I’ve got a rare moment of peace to reflect and share something close to my heart with you. Between the chaos of toddler potty training, and keeping up with the unreal amount of energy that comes with having a little one, life at home is always busy. But in the middle of it all, I’ve had a chance to experience something profound that I’ve been longing to share, my 21-day water fast.
Now, let me be completely transparent: fasting isn’t for the faint of heart, especially with a toddler who’s got a way too strong opinion on what’s for lunch and a husband who thinks I need to bake cookies every two days. But through the chaos and the struggle of saying “no” to food for 21 days, I experienced spiritual freedom that I never expected. It wasn’t just about staying away from food; it was about breaking chains, breaking free from emotional baggage, unhealthy habits, and distractions that were preventing me from being truly present with my family and God.
So, grab a cup of tea and make yourself comfortable. I want to tell you what I learned, and how I experienced breakthroughs that I truly believe anyone can have if they’re open to it.
What is a Water Fast?
A water fast is exactly what it sounds like, just you and water, all day, every day, for a set amount of time. No snacks. No coffee. Not even a cheeky sip of juice. While it’s widely known for its health benefits, for me, the experience was deeply spiritual. It wasn’t just about giving up food, it was about creating space to draw closer to God, free from the constant distractions of daily life (and my love affair with carbs).
The Decision to Fast
Let me tell you, deciding to water fast isn’t something you wake up and casually do, like trying a new hairstyle. I’d been feeling stuck—emotionally, spiritually, even physically. I was carrying the weight of past mistakes, unresolved struggles, and, let’s be honest, probably a few too many cookies. I wanted a reset, not just for my body but for my soul.
The final nudge came one night after a chaotic bedtime routine with my daughter. As I prayed for peace over her life, I realized I needed to seek that same peace for myself. It was clear: this wasn’t just a diet or detox—it was a spiritual calling.
My husband was a champ through all this. When I told him I’d be skipping meals for 21 days, his eyes widened for about three seconds before he said, “I’ll support you.” And he did—handling mealtime for our daughter (who, of course, had all my favourite foods on her plate), giving me space to pray, and even joining me for evening devotions.
Our daughter, being two and full of curiosity, had her way of trying to make sense of my fast. She didn’t ask why I wasn’t eating—instead, she’d come up to me with a big smile, holding out a piece of her food and saying, “Food, Mama! Food!” Sometimes, she’d even try to feed me herself, which melted my heart and made it all the harder to resist. Moments like those reminded me of the innocence of children and the love they freely give.
The Highs, the Lows, and Everything In Between
On day 1, I was hyped, and ready to conquer this challenge. By Day 3, I found myself staring longingly at my daughter’s snack bowl, debating if a single grape could count as “breaking the fast.” (Spoiler: it could, so I didn’t.) By Day 7, I had fully cherished my new routine of endless water bottles, prayer, and naps.
The Highs
Some moments felt like heaven touching earth:
- Feeling God’s presence during prayer. Every morning, as I knelt in prayer, it was as though God Himself wrapped me in a warm hug. Those quiet moments of connection were worth every hunger pang.
- An unexpected energy boost. On Day 10, I was convinced I’d transcended hunger. I cleaned the house, played with my daughter, and even thought, Hey, maybe I could live like this forever! Reality hit a few hours later when I got light-headed trying to open a jar of water (yes, water).
- Freedom from food obsession. I realised how much of my mental energy was spent planning meals, cooking, and eating. With food off the table—literally—I redirected that focus to God, and it was incredibly freeing.
The Lows
Of course, the journey wasn’t all spiritual revelations and bursts of energy. Some days were tough:
- Hunger pangs were the least of my worries. Dizziness, dry mouth.
- The smells. My husband would cook for our daughter, and I swear the aroma of her food could have been bottled and sold as a high-end fragrance. Torture.
The Saving Grace
On the hardest days, my daughter’s giggles were my lifeline. She had no idea I was fasting. To her, life was normal, except “Mama” kept refusing her offerings of food. She’d toddle over with a cracker or grape in hand, saying, “Food, Mama! Food!” Her insistence was equal parts adorable and tempting. But her cuddles, her joy, and the way she’d climb into my lap without a care in the world reminded me why I was doing this.
This fast wasn’t just for me, it was for my family, for the breakthroughs we needed, and for the growth I wanted to model as a mother and wife. It was a rollercoaster, for sure, but even in the lows, I found glimpses of grace that made it all worthwhile.
Breaking the Fast
After 21 days, I wasn’t sprinting to the kitchen, I was tiptoeing. Breaking a water fast isn’t about diving into a feast; it’s about easing your body back into normalcy. I started with coconut water, then graduated to green juice and soft fruits. My husband, bless his heart, prepared a beautiful bowl of fresh mango slices for me, and it was hands down the best thing I’d ever tasted. (Yes, even better than chocolate cake. Shocking, I know.)
Our daughter clapped and cheered when she saw me eating again. “Yay, Mommy!” she shouted, which was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. She even offered me one of her crackers, like she was saying, “Welcome back to the eating club.”
The Biggest Lessons
The spiritual breakthroughs were worth every moment of discomfort. I came out of this fast not just physically lighter, but spiritually changed in ways I never expected. God’s presence felt so tangible, guiding me, comforting me, and speaking truths over my life that reshaped how I see Him, myself, and my purpose.
Renewing My Relationship with God
Before the fast, my prayers often felt routine, like I was checking off a box. But during this time, something shifted. I found myself pouring my heart out to God in ways I hadn’t done in years. I confessed old hurts, asked for forgiveness, and laid down burdens I didn’t even realise I was carrying.
One of the most powerful moments came when I let go of past regrets and unforgiveness. It wasn’t easy, I had clung to those feelings for so long, thinking they protected me. But as I surrendered them to God, I felt a peace wash over me that I hadn’t experienced in years. It was like He was saying, “You don’t have to carry this anymore.”
Breaking Generational Patterns
This fast wasn’t just about me, it was about breaking chains for my family. I prayed intentionally for freedom from unhealthy cycles that had been passed down for generations. Whether it was fear, anxiety, or habits that no longer served us, I invited God in.
I can’t describe the exact moment it happened, but I felt something shift. It was as though the weight of those patterns started to fall away. I began to dream of a different legacy, a healthier, Christ-centered one, that I could pass on to my daughter.
Learning Obedience
This was perhaps the hardest lesson of all. By Day 15, I was ready to quit. The physical discomfort, the cravings, and the sheer mental exhaustion were overwhelming. But every time I thought about stopping, I felt a gentle nudge in my spirit, reminding me that obedience isn’t about convenience, it’s about trust.
I learned to surrender my cravings and my need for control, trusting that God’s plan was better than anything I could imagine. Each act of obedience, no matter how small, became an offering of faith, and by the end of the fast, I realised that true strength comes not from my willpower, but from leaning fully on Him.
Achieving Goals (and Unexpected Wins)
In addition to the spiritual breakthroughs, I managed to achieve something I hadn’t been able to accomplish in years, I hit my hydration goal! For the first time, I actually drank the recommended eight glasses of water a day (and maybe a little more). My skin was glowing.
And let’s not forget the surprising amount of money I saved. By the end of the fast, I had enough saved to treat myself to something nice, a well-deserved spa day.
The Change
By the end of the fast, I wasn’t just lighter physically, I was freer spiritually. The joy, clarity, and strength I gained far outweighed the sacrifices. My perspective shifted in so many areas of life: how I pray, how I approach challenges, and how I show up for my family.
This wasn’t just a season of fasting, it was a season of renewal. God used every hunger pang and every moment of doubt to mould me into someone who trusts Him more deeply, sets better goals (hydration, anyone?), and lives more fully in His grace. And that, I believe, is the kind of change that lasts far beyond the fast.
For Anyone Considering a Fast
Thinking about fasting? Here’s my advice:
- Pray first. Ask God if this is the right step for you.
- Prepare your body. Don’t go from binge-eating pizza to drinking only water overnight. Ease into it.
- Lean on your support system. Whether it’s a spouse, friend, or church group, having people in your corner makes all the difference.
And don’t forget: fasting isn’t about what you’re giving up, it’s about what you’re gaining. For me, it was a season of healing, surrender, and spiritual growth I’ll never forget.
If you’re considering a fast, I pray that God strengthens you, guides you, and reveals Himself to you in ways that leave you forever changed. And if you’re not fasting but just curious, yes, you can survive 21 days on water alone. But trust me, the spiritual feast is worth so much more.
Note: Fasting should be a personal decision made after seeking God’s guidance and ensuring proper health precautions.
The highs, the lows, and everything in between of my 21-day water fast. From the moments where I was tempted to break it (hello, fridge!), to those quiet, soul-searching hours where I felt God’s presence so strongly—this journey was more than just about what I gave up. It was about what I gained: clarity, peace, and a deeper relationship with God.
Here in our home, where toddler tantrums are followed by giggles, and my husband is still making questionable biscuit choices, we’re learning together as a family that true spiritual growth often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. I’m proud of what I accomplished, but more than anything, I’m grateful for the way God met me in the process, whether it was in the stillness of those precious moments alone or in the chaos of family life where I needed His strength the most.
If you’re thinking about going on a fast, or if you’ve already walked through this journey, I’d love to hear about your experience. Was it a struggle? A breakthrough? A bit of both? Let’s connect in the comments below. We’re all in this together, and our stories of faith, struggle, and freedom can inspire and strengthen one another.
Until next time, darling, stay blessed and stay hydrated. Keep trusting in the process, and remember that your breakthrough is closer than you think.
Sending blessings to you.
Scherise. X
