by Renee Scott

I never thought I would fast for 40 days.  When the idea was initially presented to me, I wondered how in the world I would go numerous days with strict food limitations. 

I love God and everything, but 40 days?

I shed away my hesitations and decided to fully commit the time to God.  I had the support of my sister, mom, and girlfriend, Jackie.  They would walk the journey with me.  In my mind there weren’t any expectations except for God to move in a mighty way.  We used the 40 Day Soul Fast book and journal by Cindy Trimm (40 Day Soul Fast link) as a guide through the next 40 days.

I was at a point in my life where I felt my prayers weren’t being answered and God was silent.

I quickly learned that the time of sacrifice had more to do with placing myself in a position to hear God’s voice than it ever had to do with any food limitations.  I decided to take a different approach with my time of fasting.  Instead of having dietary restrictions, I removed influences in my life that hindered the fullness of God. 

No television.  No Facebook.  No secular radio and very little phone usage.

This would be my ransom in a thirst to foster an intimate relationship with Christ.  I wanted to connect with Him in a more intense and passionate way.  He was the lover of my soul and I needed to show Him I was fully committed to our relationship.  Instead of Beyoncé, I played worship music.  Instead of phone conversations in the car, I meditated on God’s gentle whispers.  I was desperate to know His will for my life.  I longed to hear His voice. 

I quickly found out that He is often speaking, the question is, are we listening?

During those 40 days, God revealed His will for my life around day 20.  The experience and time with God was amazing, however, it was a process to get there.  In the beginning, it was a hard journey.  Intense, fiery trials began as soon as I started the fast.  Before healing and restoration could begin, I was forced to deal with some hidden areas of conflict in my life that I didn’t even know existed.  Isaiah 58 was a text of scripture I used as a driving principal.  Here’s a quick excerpt:

^{3-5 “}You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.  You fast, but you swing a mean fist.  The kind of fasting you dowon’t get your prayers off the ground.  Do you think this is the kind of fast day I’m after:a day to show off humility?  To put on a pious long faceand parade around solemnly in black?  Do you call that fasting,a fast day that I, God, would like?

^6-9 “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice,get rid of exploitation in the workplace,free the oppressed,cancel debts.  What I’m interested in seeing you do is:sharing your food with the hungry,inviting the homeless poor into your homes,putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,being available to your own families.  Do this and the lights will turn on,and your lives will turn around at once.  Your righteousness will pave your way.  The God of glory will secure your passage.  Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’”

On the other side of those 40 days, a writer was birthed, a blog started, and a powerful woman of God blossomed even further!

Renee Scott is co-founder of the popular blog, Double Portion Inspiration, where she shares encouragement and inspiration to men and women all over the world.  She’s been a member of Grace Family Church for four years. She loves to run and recently completed her first half marathon. She is a wife of over 14 years and mother of two children.