Last week someone posted this comment anonymously, so I thought I’d take some time today to address it. The comment was:
“I am honestly afraid to ask this question, but this question of mine has plagued me every time I fast. I have eating issues. Not in the over indulgent department, but the deprivation department. If you tell me not to eat: No problem.
The very first sermon I ever heard from Stovall was on fasting. I was all about it and ready to jump in headfirst. I had many chains that needed breaking.
I do not know if it was something to do with my past, but I found myself falling back into the trap. It started to become about my body image rather than Gods image.
I want so desperately to fast in a way where my body image has nothing to do with it. I am desperate for God, not a different body.
How does someone with a past eating disorder fast?”
This is such a great question and I am sure that there are many people out there who are in the same boat but just haven’t asked the question. Many of you who read this blog have already responded with grace and wisdom. Although I’ve never struggled with an eating disorder, I think I can add some wisdom to this situation.
This situation is a battle of the mind, and one you CAN win through Christ! (Phil. 4:13) Remember that fasting is a tool we use to get closer to God. It actually should keep us from being preoccupied with food. If our method of fasting causes us to obsess over what we eat in any way, we need to change either our approach or our mindset.
If giving up food is a stumbling block to you, then maybe you could give up working out –or at least cut back on it. If television, reading (other than the Bible) or shopping are a distraction to you, maybe you could stop doing those things.There are many distractions that we can eliminate from our daily routines — many ways that we struggle to stay in control, or distract ourselves from the real issues that are hurting us. If you can identify those other things, maybe you can give those up instead.
I remember one year in college I had become so contentious and prone to debate that I fasted speaking my own opinions for 21 days. It shed a lot of light on how much was coming out of my mouth that had nothing at all to do with God’s standards and everything to do with my personal preferences. I realized that the standards by which I judged people and situations — many of the things I often argued passionately for — were not definitively defended in the Bible. They were just my preferences and were often selfishly motivated. It was one of the most pivotal moments of growth in my christian walk.
The main thing I encourage you to remember is that we are all covered by grace. God will show you what to do. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. His way will bring rest to your soul. His commandments are not burdensome. Blessings as you seek His face. xo
I really appreciated your insite for this lady’s fasting question. Your gentle way of writing it was a blessing.
Kerri,
This is a great point and answer to the question about eating disorders. I am believing for my fast that I am going to beat the eating disorder I have struggled with. I am totally depending on GOD to show me what to do. And I feel just fine now. But its not my power its GODS power that is getting me thru this fast. Thank you for shedding some light on this issue. If at any point I feel GOD tell me to stop and to give something else up instead, I will do as he asks. Thank you so so much for touching on this very touchy subject. You rock sister.
GOD BLESS
PS Kerri,
Can you touch on what to do if you make a mistake? What if you do something inadvertently? I have done a lot of research on the things I can and can not eat but what if I do something wrong without realizing it or realizing it too late?
Also, on water and juice days can you have smoothies or just juice?
Thanks so much!
Hi, Robin. If you have set your heart on following a certain way of fasting and you inadvertently eat something that is not on the “to eat” list, then just make a note that it’s not on the list and keep going! Don’t let mistakes discourage you! As far as smoothies on juice days goes, if you are following the Awake21 calendar remember that it serves as a guideline. If you are working or chasing children around all day and need to consume a more substantial drink then incorporate smoothies. If God lays it on your heart to go with just juices, then try to do that and trust Him to sustain you. Follow your conviction and use the calendar as a guideline.
Thanks for your guidance and wisdom!
Hey I know I have not been on here in forever but, I battled with every eating disorder you could think of which is why I did not fast last year but, this year I prayed about it before hand and one of the things that I am praying about through my fast in my obsession with food and reading the bible everyday this fast has been awesome I will also suggest if you have a scale have someone hide it from you.;)
Hi Pastor Kerri! Thanks so much for your wisdom and insight as we progress through this last week of the fast. I just wanted to address some of the comments about `stumbling’ on the fast. Not that I’m an expert by any means, but I think God honors the intentions of our hearts. Fasting is not just about what we do or dont eat. It is truly about where we are in our relationship with Jesus and where He is taking us to and what we are willing to offer up to Him to show Him that we earnestly are seeking His face and will for our lives. Fleshly deprivation, so you have so wisely pointed out to us many times over, clears our hearts for a landing point for the Wisdom of God to come and forever change us. I believe God sees all His children offering up their sweet, fragrant sacrifices and whether we stumble or fall, (whether fasting or in life) it is the getting back up and continuing to run the race that God Himself has for us, in accordance with His plans for our individual lives. Thank you Pastor Kerri, for your transparency and the way you are exampling God’s presence in your own daily life. One of the things we all love so much about you and Pastor Stovall is that you are real and are not afraid to share both your triumphs and `stumbles’ with us.