testimony

i just completed a daniel fast with my church - we did a partial fast for 21 days, and had to eliminate meat, dairy, bread, processed/fried food, sugar, caffiene etc from our diet. it was essentially fruits, veggies, whole grains and water for 21 days. the first week was definitely a challenge - i think i had a headache for about 4 days straight as my body tried to figure out what i was doing to it! but eventually i got into the swing of things, and i became disciplined in both my diet and my devotions - two things i desperately needed.

now just to put some context to the situation - i was working on contract at my last job, which ended in october after i found out that they were not going to extend it any longer. so since the middle of october i have been looking for work. as of december 31st i had broken up with my long time boyfriend, and i am living in my studio apartment downtown toronto.

it was hard enough not having a job, but once the new year began, everything just hit me all at once - i didn't have a job, i was dealing with a breakup, and i was living alone. that combination, by the way, is possibly the worst. because i didn't have a job, i was sitting at home in my apartment consumed by my thoughts, wondering how i could have made my relationship work and why no one will call me for an interview. i had no one to distract me from my thoughts, so i would mull over them, and get lost in my head. that first week of january was extremely difficult for me -- i believe that i was on the border of depression. i am so grateful for the grace of God, because even though i knew that all these things were happening to and around me, i still heard that small voice in my head saying 'don't let the enemy win.' i immediately recognized the work of the enemy in my life as he attempted to pull me into a pit of despair. that sunday, january 10th, i went back to my church and the pastor was encouraging all of us to participate in the daniel fast - he said it was an amazing way to start off the year so that we could really discern God's voice and direction for our lives this year. i decided then and there that i would do it. that was exactly what i needed.

over the course of the three weeks, i really began to see God move in my life. i received a call for an interview the first week of the fast. i was able to bless a friend who lost her job, to provide understanding and support. i felt the negativity and despair beginning to lift from my life. in the third week, i could feel the enemy trying to get me back - i was struggling with my devotions, and in temptations for food. but the grace of God got me through to the end.

at the end of our fast, my pastor had organized a weekend called 'winter fire' - he had invited a pastor from ottawa to come preach on saturday and sunday night, and a ministry group called 'higher ground' to come minister at the three services - saturday night, sunday morning and sunday night. i have never been so blessed as i was this past weekend. the sunday night service was incredible -- the visiting pastor did not even preach, he just moved in the Holy Spirit, which had filled the church. he called to the front those who struggled with addiction, depression, a spirit of heaviness, and any other stronghold that was holding them down. i went up to the front to receive freedom from that spirit of heaviness that the enemy had been trying to drown me in. as i stood at the front there, the pastor said 'some of you standing here are stuck in your past, thinking that what you had was so wonderful, but let me tell you now -- THE BEST IS YET TO COME!' and at that point i knew that i had received God's freedom and peace. i am truly confident that yes, the best IS yet to come!! i left the church with a spirit of joy, and relief -- God is GOOD! He is so faithful to us, He never leaves us, He never forsakes us....and i know it's one thing to just read it but it is another thing to believe it and truly know it in your heart. that song that i posted on my wall was like our theme song for the weekend, and i just love it:

"i'm reaping the harvest God promised me
take back what the devil stole from me
and i rejoice today
for i shall recover it all!"

that has been my song today - i've played it like 10 times already (or more!) - and i am moving forward believing those promises. i feel refreshed, rejuvenated, strengthened, blessed...God is good. AMEN!!!