1104 hours or 46 days.

On February 15th I was asked to take part in a fast for Lent. I was and am struggling with writing about my journey of fasting over the past 46 days. My only other experience with a fast was a 3 day fast that happens before Chasing God every year. In no way was I physically or mentally prepared for this, but I didn’t need to be because Jesus carried me through this entire process.

Here’s the catch - I had made food an idol in my life. My eating has mostly consisted of processed and fast food with carbs salt and sugar. I would not have done this if I took the time to think about it, I was asked at night and if I was in it was starting the next morning. It was time to commit and I said yes, and honestly - I did not expect to make it longer than 5 days.

In February, I saw a photo taken of me in January and I was convicted. I was not taking care of this body and temple God has given me. I spent time in prayer and asked God to give me the ability and find a way to better take care of this gift of life and the body for his work.

The great part about this fast was where God really was for me. Day 2 and 3 were the worst days. I was cranky, having headaches and I felt so hungry. I wanted to EAT! Let me tell you, if it was not for prayer asking God for help, I would have never made it. Remember, I didn’t even think I would be able to last 5 days during this fast, but God sustained me for the entire 46 days in between lent and Easter. I don’t mean to brag or to exalt myself by writing about my experience, but I hope to exalt God and show His faithfulness through this process.

1 Corinthians 3:16, “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"

Typically, a person fasts for spiritual breakthrough, but instead, I wanted to fast for others to benefit from this. I knew and decided it was the best time and God gave me a reason: to serve others and to intercede. The occasional ribbing from the other Vineyard staff around me who were supporting me also helped.
If you don’t know, Lent is a time of remembrance and honoring the time Jesus spent in the wilderness (you can read about it in Matthew 4:1-11). I am a weak and broken human who is only saved by His grace. I could not have finished this fast without Him. In the struggle and in the moments of temptation, I knew that Jesus has felt it before me and had it worse. I know that Jesus overcame and because of this, I too can overcome and I was able to reap a few practical benefits from this fast as well!

Instead of my time and energy being spent on eating or worrying about food, I was able to focus on others. My wife, Erin, made a comment at one point along the fast that my mood and energy improved (which was strange for not eating). I had a realization that food was an idol for me and God needs and has to be first. Fasting and praying helped me to see him rightly, as my need and the one who is first in my life.

I did not have any crazy moments with God but I am praying for people around me and who knows what is happening spiritually. Seeing how God has sustained me and how I have been able to serve people because of my dependence on God has proved to me why I began this journey with him.

2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

 Colin is the Assistant Director of Student Ministries & Weekend Celebrations. Half of his job is serving with the weekend celebrations and making sure they run as smooth as they can. The second half is in Student Ministries where he gets to share God’s love with kids. Colin is happily married to his beautiful wife, Erin and together they have a Whidbey (their child).  

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