Hey darling, welcome back to the blog!
Today marks the end of my 7-day fast. If you had asked me last week whether I thought I’d make it this far, I’d probably have laughed at you while eyeing the nearest snack. Yet, here I am, reflecting on the journey from an entirely different perspective. I’m sitting here in my living room, a cup of herbal tea in hand, once my lifeline, now a comforting ritual. The house is calm, my daughter is happily at nursery, and the world outside is buzzing, but inside, everything feels a little quieter, a little more still.
The first couple of days felt like a breeze (well if you can call a constant rumbling stomach and mild irritability a breeze). I was focused, determined, and telling myself that this fast was exactly what I needed, a time to reset spiritually, physically, and mentally. But by day four, things got real. The hunger pains were stronger, my energy was running low, and suddenly, every food ad on social media was an emotional attack. There was a moment when I almost considered breaking the fast after seeing a picture of my favourite pizza, but I reminded myself of why I started this journey. It wasn’t just about resisting food, it was about taking time to grow spiritually, listen for God’s voice, and find strength in the discipline of fasting.
Over the last seven days, I’ve learned a lot about my limitations. There were moments when I didn’t think I could go another hour without eating, but in those moments, I found strength I didn’t know I had. I’ve also learned that fasting isn’t just about denying yourself food; it’s about being present with God, about quieting the noise in your life so that you can hear Him more clearly.
What Inspired the Leap to Seven Days?
After my 3-day water fast, I felt like I’d unlocked a new level of discipline and spiritual connection. It was hard, sure, but it taught me that hunger isn’t the end of the world. More importantly, it reminded me that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The 3-day fast left me wondering: could I take this further? Could I deepen the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits by fasting for seven days?
I learned I could… but not without a fair share of challenges.
Lessons from My 3-Day Fast That Helped Me Go the Distance
- Plan, Pray, and Prepare: Before my 3-day fast, I underestimated the importance of preparation. For this 7-day adventure, I planned every detail. I prayed for guidance, stocked up on electrolytes, and cleared my schedule to avoid any unnecessary stress (and temptations).
- It’s Not All About Food: The 3-day fast taught me that hunger is more mental than physical. Our bodies are resilient—it’s our minds that need convincing. Philippians 4:13 became my mantra: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
- Stay Busy but Focused: During the 3-day fast, I learned that keeping busy, but not distracted, was key. For the 7-day fast, I leaned into prayer, Bible study, and journaling. These practices kept me centred when my stomach decided to growl louder than a double-decker bus.
- Breaking the Fast is Crucial: The 3-day fast taught me not to dive into a fry-up as my first post-fast meal. For this longer fast, I prepared a gentle refeeding plan (soups and smoothies) to avoid shocking my system. Trust me, your stomach will thank you.
How Each Day Unfolded
- Day 1-3: Familiar Territory The first three days felt like a reunion with an old frenemy. I knew the hunger waves were coming, and I tackled them with salted water and prayer. Psalm 42:1 came to mind often: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” My hunger wasn’t just physical; it was spiritual. These days reminded me why I started.
- Day 4: The Turning Point Day four was rough. My energy dipped, and I found myself tempted to give up. But then I stumbled upon Isaiah 58:6, which says, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?” That verse reminded me that fasting isn’t just about me—it’s about aligning my heart with God’s purpose.
- Day 5-6: A Strange Calm By day five, the hunger pangs subsided, replaced by a surprising sense of calm. My body had adjusted, and my mind felt sharper. I spent hours in prayer, reflecting on how God provides even when we feel empty. Matthew 6:11, “Give us today our daily bread,” took on a new meaning. God’s provision isn’t always physical; sometimes it’s spiritual.
- Day 7: Victory and Gratitude The final day felt surreal. I woke up feeling light, not just in body, but in spirit. Completing the fast wasn’t about proving my strength; it was about witnessing God’s. As I broke my fast with a simple bowl of soup, I couldn’t help but whisper a prayer of thanks: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)
Big Takeaways from the 7-Day Fast
- God Sustains Us: There were moments when I thought, “I can’t do this.” But time and time again, God’s Word reminded me that I wasn’t doing this alone. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
- Hunger Isn’t the Enemy: In our world of instant gratification, hunger feels like a crisis. But fasting taught me that hunger can be a teacher, pointing me to God’s word.
- Fasting Clarifies Priorities: When you’re not planning meals or snacking, you’ve got loads of time to think. Fasting cleared the clutter in my mind, making space for what matters: faith, family, and purpose.
- Community Matters: I didn’t do this alone. Friends prayed for me, and my family supported me. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour.” Their encouragement kept me going.
- Self-Control Is a Muscle: If I can resist food for seven days, what else can I conquer? Fasting strengthened my self-discipline, which has spilt over into other areas of my life.
Would I Recommend a 7-Day Fast?
Yes, but only if you’re healthy, prepared, and spiritually ready. Fasting isn’t a weight-loss hack or a trendy detox; it’s a deeply personal and spiritual journey. Pray about it, consult your GP, and go into it with the right heart. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Fasting for seven days was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. It pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone and beyond, revealing God’s strength in my weakness. If you’re considering a fast, know this: it’s not about proving how tough you are. It’s about surrendering to God and allowing Him to work in you.
Now that I’ve completed my 7-day fast, I can say with full honesty that it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But it was also one of the most rewarding. Yes, there were moments of weakness, but there were also moments of clarity, peace, and growth. Fasting for seven days pushed me to my limits, but it also opened up spaces in my heart and spirit that I didn’t even know needed to be filled.
This fast was a reminder that I’m capable of more than I think, that I can endure when I rely on God’s strength, and that even in moments of hunger, He is faithful. It also reminded me how much we take food for granted—how often it becomes a crutch, a comfort, or a distraction. By removing that distraction, I was able to reflect more deeply on my relationship with God and what truly nourishes my soul.
So, if you’re considering a long fast or you’re in the midst of one, remember that it’s not about perfection. It’s about the growth, the lessons, and the strength you find along the way. Fasting for seven days isn’t easy, but the spiritual clarity and strength you gain are worth the challenge. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ve earned myself a very large meal, after all, seven days without food calls for a little celebration!
Sending blessings to you!
Scherise. X
