Daniel Fast for ALL SIX OF US for three weeks Reflections

We started this fast after our church www.liquidchurch.com decided to ask everyone who wanted to, to join in on a 3 week fast of everything but fruits, veggies, nuts, and water similar to what Daniel did in the bible. It is called the "Daniel Fast".  During this time, we prayed for breakthrough in specific areas in our lives. Here is what happened with our family during this extraordinarily interesting time.

So, first week, I will say it. HELL. It was very hard as our bodies were detoxing all of the coffee and sugar that we were not aware had such a hold on our every day lives. Many days laying in bed, headaches, feeling really crappy and not very spiritual at all. BUT, starting on day 1 of the fast we decided to take time out to pray every day for our specific breakthrough (that I will tell you about) and read an encouraging blog from our pastor to one another over our vegan dinner.

What happened for us during this time that I did not expect or even pray for but turned out to be a real specific answer to our prayers was: a unity in our family that we had never experienced. Even though we are a distinct Christian family, it has been a rare occurrence that we have prayed together as a family of six.  We all had the same prayer for breakthrough. We prayed for Hailey's healing.

As many of our friends already know, Hailey, our second child, has Aspergers Syndrome which has all kinds of symptoms but the most significant being that she suffers horribly on a daily basis to just do the normal tasks of life. Her suffering and emotional distress has been a constant source of stress for everyone in the family, but mostly for Hailey.

Hailey was really thrilled that we decided to pray and fast for her. She received our prayers and encouragement with open arms. The most special parts of these prayer times actually were my boys ages 9 and 10 who prayed EARNESTLY for Hailey like I have never heard a child pray before. They cried out to God on Hailey's behalf in desperation for her to be set free from constant torment. If I was God, it would be almost impossible to not hear and answer the sweet, heartfelt prayers flowing from my sons lips. I had never seen them pray so hard in their little lives.

As week one rolled into week two a common trend became apparent. We became a united family that was seeking God as a team for a real breakthrough. I felt united with my kids and husband like never before.

Fasting was okay on some days, hard on others. But for all of us, every time we thought of foods we wished we could be eating, we prayed for Hailey. This resulted in prayer cover over Hailey throughout every day for three weeks.

There was an answer to our prayers. Instead of being exasperated and inpatient about our circumstances with a teen or sister with special needs, we started to have empathy again. To believe again for God to move in our family and became a united force of support on Hailey's behalf.

We moved from anger to forgiveness. From frustration to patience. From disappointment to hope. Most importantly, we became a family who locked arms around Hailey to provide a hedge of protection and love around our little girl who is not so little anymore. We broke the fast this weekend on Hailey's 14th Birthday by all laying hands on her and praying for her future. Following that, we made a bee line for IHOP and  enjoyed diving into a stack of pancakes!

We all stand together now, united to help and support Hailey as God brings her through each season of life to accomplish His purposes for her. To give her a hope and a future.

Hailey's mom,

Tracy:)