Hey darling,

Welcome back to the blog!

Fasting is something I’ve always known about, but I had never committed to a long one before. I’d done shorter fasts, skipping a meal, fasting for a day, but this time, I felt God calling me deeper. A 21-day fast. The thought alone felt overwhelming. Could I really go without my usual meals for that long? Would I have the strength? But I reminded myself that fasting isn’t just about giving up food; it’s about drawing closer to God, about surrendering my desires and allowing Him to fill the space I’d usually reserve for earthly comforts. With that in mind, I took a deep breath and began.

The First Few Days: A Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

The beginning was the hardest. My body craved the foods I was used to. The headaches came. I felt weak, sluggish, and irritable. The temptation to give in was real, especially when I smelled food cooking or heard my stomach growl loudly. But I had to remind myself—this was more than physical hunger; it was about spiritual hunger. Instead of focusing on what I lacked, I turned to prayer and scripture.

Matthew 4:4 became my anchor: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Each time the hunger pangs hit, I whispered this verse and pressed on. Slowly, my perspective began to shift. My body was screaming, but my spirit was awakening.

Spiritual Strength Over Physical Weakness

As the days passed, something incredible happened—I felt spiritually stronger. My mind became clearer, and my heart more sensitive to God’s presence. I found myself praying longer, listening more intently, and feeling His peace in a way I hadn’t before.

There were moments of deep revelation—times when I felt God speaking directly to my heart, reminding me of His promises, exposing areas in my life that needed surrender, and filling me with His wisdom. It was as if my spirit had been decluttered, making room for God to move in a new way. I felt lighter—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The burdens I had been carrying suddenly seemed smaller in comparison to the greatness of God.

The Unexpected Challenges

Of course, it wasn’t all easy. Social gatherings became tricky, having to explain why I wasn’t eating without drawing attention to my fast was difficult. Some people understood and encouraged me, while others questioned if it was “too extreme.” There were days when I felt isolated, but I took comfort in Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus reminds us to fast in humility and secrecy, seeking the approval of God rather than people.

And then there were the moments of doubt. Days when I asked, Is this even making a difference? Days when I felt weak and wondered if I should just quit. But each time I prayed, God gave me the strength to keep going. He reminded me that breakthroughs don’t always come in a loud, dramatic way—sometimes, they happen in the quiet, in the unseen places of the heart.

The Tough Side Effects

One of the biggest struggles I faced was extreme dryness. My throat felt constantly parched, and my lips became dry and cracked, something I had never experienced before. My body also felt significantly colder than usual. I found myself unable to sit comfortably on the sofa downstairs; instead, I had to stay in bed with a heater on just to feel warm.

Another challenge was energy fluctuation. Mornings were fine, I often felt energised, but by 8 p.m., I was completely drained. My legs felt heavy, and I would breathe harder just from moving around. After about day 16, when I was in ketosis, I also noticed that if I got up too quickly, I felt dizzy and lightheaded, almost to the point of fainting. I had to be mindful of how I moved, slowing down my usual pace around the house. If I tried to rush, I felt depleted, but if I moved more steadily, I had better endurance.

Another unexpected change happened around my menstrual cycle. I had read that fasting could impact it, but I wasn’t sure how. Surprisingly, my period lasted longer than usual—about 6 to 7 days instead of my typical 4 to 5.

The Unexpected Benefits

While the side effects were tough, the benefits were just as eye-opening.

1. Sharper Memory & Mental ClaritySince becoming a mum, I’ve struggled with forgetfulness, running back upstairs for my keys or leaving things behind. However, during my fast, I noticed a significant improvement in my memory. If I went upstairs for something, I actually remembered what I needed without backtracking. My thoughts felt clearer, and my focus improved throughout the day.
2. Increased Productivity & EfficiencyI also became much more efficient. Tasks that usually took longer, like getting my daughter ready for nursery, were suddenly completed in half the time. The simple act of skipping breakfast freed up my mornings, making my routine feel less rushed. I realised that I didn’t need to eat first thing in the morning; I could just grab a bottle of water and go.
3. A Shift in My Home & Family LifeFasting didn’t just change my body, it changed my habits. Normally, mornings felt chaotic, and I’d barely have time to prepare my daughter’s breakfast, let alone think about making something for my husband. But during the fast, I found myself preparing breakfast for both of them. I even started packing Sham’s lunch for work, something I had never done before. By the time he came home in the evenings, there was often a meal waiting for him, something that hadn’t always been the norm in our household. The discipline from fasting carried over into my home life, making me more intentional about serving my family.

The Mental Challenge & What Kept Me Going

The fast wasn’t easy, especially in the last week. Strangely, I found the longer I fasted, the harder it became. By day 17, I had come too far to quit, so I reminded myself of why I started. On the toughest days, I kept myself busy—going for walks, running errands, and staying active instead of sitting at home thinking about food.

At the start of my fast, I had three simple goals:

1. To focus on my health
2. To grow closer to God
3. To lose weight

Everything else was just a bonus. But now, looking back, I gained so much more than I expected. It wasn’t just about physical changes, it was a reset for my mind, my habits, and even my spiritual life.

Fasting isn’t for everyone, and it’s far from easy, but it’s free. People spend thousands travelling abroad, undergoing extreme diets, or seeking quick fixes to lose weight and improve their health. Some even take drastic measures to get closer to God. But the truth is, one of the most powerful and accessible tools has been within reach all along: fasting.

It’s not just about denying yourself food, it’s about strengthening your willpower, mastering self-discipline, and surrendering fully to the process of change. It forces you to ask yourself the hard questions: Am I truly content with where I am? Or am I ready to step into something greater?

For me, the answer was clear. This fast wasn’t just about what I gave up, it was about what I gained. A sharper mind, a stronger spirit, a renewed faith, and a fresh perspective on what truly matters. And that is worth more than anything money could ever buy.

Take the Leap

If you’re feeling stuck, physically, mentally, or spiritually, fasting might be the reset you need. It’s not just about losing weight or cleansing your body; it’s about clarity, discipline, and deepening your faith. It teaches you to rely on God in ways you never have before.

Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, there will be moments when you want to quit. But the breakthrough, the change, and the renewed strength you’ll gain are worth every struggle.

So if you’re considering fasting, don’t overthink it, just start. Even if it’s one day, a few hours, or skipping a meal, take that first step. God will meet you where you are.

Tips for a Successful Fast

1. Set Your Intentions – Before you start, define your purpose. Whether it’s spiritual growth, mental clarity, or health, knowing your “why” will keep you focused.
2. Start Small – If 21 days feel overwhelming, begin with intermittent fasting or a 3-day fast. Build up as you grow in confidence.
3. Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration and fatigue. Herbal teas and electrolytes can also help.
4. Lean on Prayer and Scripture – The Word of God will sustain you. Meditate on verses like Isaiah 40:31 (“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength”) when you feel weak.
5. Keep Busy – Stay productive to keep your mind off food. Go for walks, read, or listen to gospel music.
6. Break Your Fast Wisely – When you end your fast, reintroduce food gradually. Start with light meals like soups or fruits before having heavy foods.
7. Give Yourself Grace – If you stumble, don’t quit. Every step in obedience is a victory.

Fasting changed me, and it can change you too.

Sending blessings to you!

Scherise. X