Fasting is a great gift from God! Unfortunately, it often does not feel like it. Most of us are not used to denying our natural cravings and appetites. In fact, the Bible states that our flesh is hostile to God. When our minds are ruled by our natural desires and inclinations, it is impossible to submit to God. This is a huge problem, because we all need to submit to God. Fasting is one of the ways we discipline our flesh and call it into submission.
The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. – Romans 8:7 NIV
Have you ever heard the saying, “What you feed will grow and what you starve will die”? The saying is so true. In order to feed our spirits, we have to starve our flesh and press into the presence of God. Daniel was a man familiar with starving his flesh and feeding his spirit. Daniel often paired fasting with prayer and saw God move in major ways (see also Daniel 1).
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” – Daniel 10:2-3, 12, 14 NKJV
Our purpose in fasting is not to lose weight or appear overly spiritual. We fast to draw closer to God. We fast to hear His voice and gain deeper understanding. As you fast, I pray that the recipe and quick guide below help you open up space for God. My prayer is that your days are not consumed with stress about what you can and cannot eat, but rather that your days are consumed with God’s presence.
Big Hugs,
Ayanna
Blend dry ingredients (oats, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in a blender or food processor until you have an oat flour. Add 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and two ripe bananas to the mixture. Blend with oat flour until smooth. The batter should have the consistency of regular pancake batter. If the batter is too soupy, add more oats. Heat the griddle on medium heat with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. When the oil is heated, pour the batter, and flip when air bubbles appear on the surface of the pancakes. Cook until golden brown on each side and enjoy!
This post is awesome!! I love that you pointed out the fact that fasting is not to lose weight or appear spiritual. That’s something that we all have to be reminded of at times. Then you blessed our lives by giving us a practical, yummy recipe that we can put to use in our journey! Love you, sis!
Awww thanks best! I’m glad it was helpful!