At the beginning of 2019, I found myself in a place of desperation, surrounded by the shadows of disappointment and heartbreak. I poured my heart out in prayer, asking God fervently to bring me a husband. After enduring countless delays and rejections in my dating life, I felt utterly lost. The question that echoed in my mind was, "Where is the man I believe God has set aside for me?"
As doubt crept in like a dark fog, I wrestled with thoughts that threatened my faith: Was I too picky? Had I waited too long? Had I somehow missed my chance for love? In the midst of this turmoil, I gathered a group of single friends who were also seeking their future husbands. We created a WhatsApp group, a safe haven where we could share our hopes and prayers. Regularly coming together in prayer rekindled a flicker of hope within me. One day, someone suggested fasting, and I found myself intrigued. Although I wasn’t clear on who brought it up, I understood that fasting was a practice aimed at seeking breakthroughs in one’s life.
My spirit soared at the thought of fasting. Although I had tried it on and off in the past without much success, this time I felt ready. Fasting felt like a serious commitment to God—a way to humble myself and fully dedicate my desires to Him. The Bible mentions fasting over 70 times, illustrating its significance. The apostles fasted to discern God’s will in critical decisions. David fasted earnestly for the healing of his sick child, as recorded in 2 Samuel 12:14-16. Esther undertook a fast to seek divine protection for her people (Esther 4:15-16), and, of course, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days. Clearly, fasting was important to God, and I knew it had to be important in my life, too. I firmly believed that fasting could work wonders!
I recalled hearing that starting the year with fasting was a powerful way to dedicate that year to God, and I embraced this idea with enthusiasm. The prospect of entering another year alone weighed heavily on my heart, and I refused to continue relying solely on my strength to find a partner. I decided to surrender the upcoming year to God’s plan and allow Him to work in ways only He can.
Once the holiday festivities concluded and the house was free of tempting treats, my group of about eight friends and I committed to a 21-day Daniel fast. Our collective goal was simple yet profound: to pray for our future husbands and seek God’s will while breaking any strongholds that might stand in our way. This time became a cherished memory, a period of deep connection with God that I now treasure. Inspired by the book of Daniel, along with his humility before God and absolute faith in God's goodness, we eliminated all choice foods as he did and embraced the challenge of eating simple, untempting foods for three weeks.
Every morning was an anticipation-filled adventure as I delved into our group devotional. I can still vividly picture myself, hidden under a blanket, with just my Bible. Each page turned brought me closer to God, and that intimate space—just me and my Heavenly Father—was nothing short of perfect. If I had a small room or even a cupboard to use as a proper prayer closet, I would have surely retreated there, but that blanket became my sanctuary.
God proved faithful beyond my wildest dreams, and by November of that year, I said “I do” to the love I had long prayed for. If you’re interested in reading my full testimony, click here. That was the best year of my life, and since then evey year that I fast and given the year to God it always goes better than I could have imagined. Fasting brings breakthrough!
For those of you still waiting, feeling as though your hopes are on hold, I encourage you to join us in fasting this new year. If you feel worn down by the waiting, take this step of faith; you never know what breakthroughs await you.
Fast with us this New Year and see what God does!!
Join myself and others as we fast to give the first part of the year to God.
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