What Comes Next, Lord?

Day 20 of 21-Day Sugar Fast

My 21-Day Sugar Fast is almost over. What an experience it’s been to reset, reconnect, restore, and revive. So, how do I feel on Day 20? And what comes next, Lord?

When you come to the end of a challenge, how do you feel? Are you happy it’s almost over? Do you feel relief? Do you feel like celebrating?

Or do you feel sad it’s almost over? Do you wonder if you’ll maintain any of the gains you made during the challenge? Are you afraid you’ll disappoint yourself again and go back to old habits?

Both times I’ve gotten to Day 20 of the 21-Day Sugar Fast, I both lamented and celebrated. I felt happy I got to the end successfully. I met my goal, became healthier and stronger, and gained more knowledge about my body, mind, soul, and Jesus. So, I celebrated.

However, I also lamented. Day 20 meant the special connection with Jesus through fasting was coming to an end, and I didn’t want my deeper dependence on Jesus to disappear. During spiritual fasting, our connection with Jesus reveals the deeper truths of just how much we need Him and in what ways.

Experiencing this amazing connection with Jesus caused me to ponder and ask, “What comes next, Lord?”

Don’t Give Up

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

During the summer when I was completing my first 21-Day Sugar Fast, I was also reading through 100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self by Annie F. Downs. On Day 20 of my sugar fast, I read “Day Sixty-Seven” in Be Brave (that’s what I call Annie’s devotional book for short). God’s timing is always perfect. He answered my question to what comes next through Annie’s words:

“You’ve been looking at your life—at your pain and joys and calling—and you’ve been finding the brave. But don’t give up now.”

And do you know what? I didn’t. Actually, I continued eating the same way I had during the sugar fast after it was over, which was a wise decision for me. Because later in the summer, Jesus revealed some other health issues contributing to my joint and muscle pain, stomach issues, brain fog, and a myriad of other things.

Now, on Day 20 the second time around, I found myself lamenting and asking the same thing. “What comes next, Lord?”

Joy Returned

The last week of this sugar fast entailed a whirlwind of activity. We hired a painter to basically paint eighty percent of the interior of our house. It happened fast, and we needed to move the majority of furnishings from our dining room, living room, family room, and a bedroom my husband uses as his work space and caveman activities.

So, with the house in an upheaval, my writing slowed down. I felt a burden like I hadn’t felt in weeks. I couldn’t keep up with the daily writing for you. On Day 20, I wrote in my journal, “I’m sorry, Lord. I’ve done it again. I’ve taken upon myself the burden and the yoke, and I’ve been weighed down with being behind in writing.”

I’d lost the joy of writing. Guess what I did? I reconnected with Jesus. During this second 21-Day Sugar Fast, I’m reading Our Daily Bread devotional, so I read the November 20 devotion. Let me just say, Jesus answers.

Jesus said to me, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)

I stopped lamenting from my discouragement. Relief spread over me because I realized this past week the enemy had arrived and was robbing me of my joy of writing. Rather than joy, my days were filled with anxiety, busyness, distraction, and chaos—everywhere. There was constant thinking about “all the things.” But Jesus busted the enemy’s attack and activity in my life.

Joy returned! And may I add, so did my writing.

What Comes Next, Lord?

Well, I’m glad you asked. The Lord revealed to me that He wants me extending my sugar fast three days. Therefore, I will be breaking my sugar fast on Thanksgiving Day. This news of course both caused me to celebrate and lament. I’d sure love a bite of bread, but Jesus says He’s all the bread we need. (And He’s all the sugar we need too.)

This leads me to you. Are you seeking Jesus for direction and next steps in your life? I strongly encourage you to ask Jesus, “What comes next, Lord?” I promise He will answer.