A personal story
Extending an opportunity to grow in relationship with the One who formed you
Hey Loved One,
You may have seen an email from me yesterday inviting you to join the upcoming 50-day fast I’m leading. At first glance, I know how intimidating it might appear. Especially if you’re new to fasting or feeling lost in your relationship with God. I want to share a personal story with you about what this fast means to me, and why you should consider joining. First, let me set the scene for you.
It’s a Friday night in March 2022 toward the “end” of the pandemic. I’m working remotely at a job I’m miserable at. Feeling like a failure because I’m nowhere near where I want to be. Angry at the world because my reality isn’t lining up with my potential or intellect. At the same time, struggling to understand my true worth and value. Everything feels forced and pointless. Avoidant, anxious, and erratic are a few words to describe how I felt back then.
I entered my evening with a bottle of Remy Martin VSOP and some lemonade. I was no stranger to “happy hour,” but something about this night was different. I was being tormented by demons that wanted to contort my mental health and my life until I felt there was no option but to let it all go. I knew I was experiencing challenges, but even now I realize how unaware I was of just how deep they were, and just how much my enemy hated me.
I sat on the floor of my living room, alone and filled with immense sorrow from the thoughts that had been plaguing my mind. Most of what they said, I believed. I had no defenses, natural or spiritual. Or so it seemed.
Through the tears and heart ache, I was seamlessly lifted me off the floor. I was led to a Bible in another room, sitting on the TV stand. I hadn’t thought about the Bible in years. Before I knew it, I had opened it. There was a page bookmarked, and I flipped right to it. One single verse was circled.
Psalm 37:4 KJV - Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
I didn’t quite know what it meant at the time, but it stopped the downward mental spiral I was headed down that night.
I was intrigued by what had happened. How did I get off the floor? Why did I open the Bible? Why was there a bookmark and verse circled? I kept drinking. Later on I felt led to look up the “tetragram” on google. YHWH.
And then.. I went on with my life, the same way it was before. Nothing seemed to change. I was still miserable, still struggling. Still filled with lust and envy and jealousy and selfish ambition and judgment and confusion and sadness. It wasn’t until 9 months later that I would call on God to deliver me from my sin and shame. I can’t help but think about all the times I needed Him, but didn’t know how to call. Surrender is the beginning of the call. Surrender of situations, thoughts, beliefs, mindsets, all the things keeping us from experiencing God’s mighty hand in our lives.
Proverbs 2:6 CSB - “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Things started to change for me when I surrendered who I thought I was, and began seeking my true identity in Christ. I ran into a lot of dead ends until I found The Way. The Truth. The Life. This fast is about uncovering identity. Inviting Jesus to strip off the burdens that we feel obligated to carry, allowing us to breathe deeply as He reveals His truth in us. I know firsthand the power that comes with releasing that which was never meant for us and receiving the love we were made from. More than a fast, this is an opportunity for us to surrender and grow in closeness and relationship with the Father, who loves us dearly.
So I’ll ask you… Are you tired of relying on yourself and other flawed humans to lead, protect, and provide for you? Are you sick of the cycles of dread and despair? Do you want to experience true freedom? Are you ready to enjoy pure confidence? Are you willing to start or start over with Jesus? If so, join our community on this 50-day fast, as we return to the Garden of Eden, back to God’s original design and intent for us as His creation.
Details
General details of the fast are highlighted in yesterday’s note.
To register, complete this form: https://forms.gle/fyp3R5TWTiBfP6ZV9
For the latest information, join our group me here: https://groupme.com/join_group/101845285/JtF6JH5I
Share this story and opportunity with someone who needs to know that God cares
You can always reach out to me directly with any questions. I’m looking forward to growing in faith with you. Remember, His grace is sufficient 🤍
Romans 3:23-24 CSB “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
In agape love,
Jei