14 Days of Fasting: A Spiritual Reset for 2025

Every year — if you’ve been a Christ follower long enough — you’d hear everyone say “This year is my year, this year is the year, this year is the year of insert declaration here, this year is God’s year.” The more you hear and say this, the more it becomes a hyperbole in the Christian lifestyle. Folks that declare these live in a high for the first three months of the year, then revert to whatever habits they claimed they left in the previous year. I’m not saying this always happens, I’m saying it’s frequent, from my experience.

I too, have proclaimed these declarations and barely followed through.

Chart from 2015 article from LifeWay Research

All that to say is this year, my home church, Fresh Start Christian Center challenged us to fast for 14 days on January 6th from not just eating food, but from social media, from idle chatter, from secular music & entertainment, and junk foods. At sundown, we break fast by eating, but healthy foods and remaining off social media, not listening to secular music & tv and idle chatter. Each day, at 6:00 pm, someone prays over us via Zoom call. Each day has a prayer point and scripture for us to focus on.

I’ve been following God for 15 years and never experienced a two-week corporate fast at the beginning of a year with extra boundaries. I have to say, this fast is a true game-changer for me! I believe I won’t see this walk the same again after completing this fast.

I’m going to share my experiences & revelations each day from the fast. How God spoke to me, what He showed me, how it inspired others, and what areas in my life were laid before God. This fast brought my wife and me closer!

DAY 1: REPENTANCE

We kick off the fast with the first prayer point: REPENTANCE. Being that it was the first day of the fast, I had to die to my flesh (Rom. 8:13) and not buy the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a hero I usually buy before starting the workday. At that moment, I prayed to God, read The Word, and listened to a sermon by Dr. Tony Evans about repentance.

These methods helped me refocus my mind and soul on the Word. As I’m drinking water and going back and forth to the bathroom, I’m reminded of what being in His presence looks like. It’s so freeing that you’d want to repent and live righteous before God.

With that, I had to reflect on some of the things I had to repent from. I asked God for His wisdom and guidance through the process and thanked Him for his unfailing unconditional love. This was a fruitful start to an amazing fasting journey.

DAY 2: DISCIPLINE

I believe — or should I say ‘believed’ — I’m good with DISCIPLINE. I know how to say no to most things that give me pleasure and satisfaction like unhealthy foods, parties, video games, etc. But I’ve learned on this day I still have work to do.

In moments I need to apply discipline, I need to earnestly search for God to deliver me from temptation. We can get caught up in the rat race without realizing it until it’s too late. I enjoy eating bacon, egg, and cheese with an Arizona iced tea on the side every morning before work. However, if I do that every day, my body will change for the worse.

God showed me that behind closed doors, I still need to discipline myself. When my wife is away and I have the house to myself, I want to order Chinese food. Not only it isn’t healthy for my body, but it’s not healthy for my pockets. That $15-$20 I’m spending on an unhealthy meal can go to something fruitful for the household. Or I can just be wise and spend my money on healthy foods I can cook at home and make them last for days.

This is an area I’m strong in, but I could be stronger. God showed me that I still have to exercise discipline daily.

DAY 3: SURRENDER

My favorite scripture for this day paints what a Christian SURRENDERING daily to God looks like. When we say “I trust you Lord!”, you’re saying that you’ll give Him your all and that nothing else compares to Him.

Sometimes, we get into our flesh and surrender half of what we have and not everything. I’ve been guilty of this. I surrender my time to God on Sundays, or when it’s comfortable for me. In opposition, it’s harder to surrender to God when I feel attacked. In those moments, the Holy Spirit speaks to me, but I don’t listen sometimes.

I had an instance where I got home earlier than my wife. Usually, she’s home before me with dinner being cooked. I wanted to sit down, play video games, and wait for her to come back. Instead, I surrendered my selfish desires and surrendered to God to be a serving husband. I texted my wife and told her I was cooking pasta and if she wanted anything. It was my turn to prepare a meal as she walked in. She was happy.

It’s a daily battle of surrendering to God and trusting Him with all my heart.

DAY 4: HEALING

This day wrecked me. I am in the process of healing from a lot of traumas I’ve faced over the years. We’re talking heartbreak, betrayal, offenses I haven’t let go, and more. On this day, God was showing me that I still have unforgiveness in my heart and that I struggle with it. I had a dream about a particular person that did me dirty years ago.

I won’t get into the dream, but I remember waking up feeling heavy in my heart and God leading me to forgive this person by apologizing for the harsh, evil things I’ve said to them. Long story short, we spoke and it turns out they wanted to apologize for putting me through hell and asked for my forgiveness.

I TRULY forgave the person. It was the most freeing I felt this week. It was a big step to my HEALING. I believe God will show me more ways to forgive and forgive and forgive. Thank you, Jesus!

DAY 5: RENEWAL

Following up on the previous day, God is RENEWING my vision. I’m not only seeing the person I forgave as a person who’s broken like me and is God’s, I’m seeing others that way as well. God is no respecter of persons, He loves EVERYONE.

Through this day, I leaned on God to help me see people differently. Sometimes, I compare myself to others, whether they’re doing “better” than me, or I’m doing “better” than them. We may have different social classes, upbringings, and stories, but we are all unique in God’s eyes.

I started talking to others different and non-judgmental. Sometimes, the thoughts creep in when I look at others. Then I have to remember the Word and how God sees that person. I also needed to apply that to myself. I may see myself as worthless. That’s far from the truth and it devalues who God is in my life.

Die daily to the flesh and renew my mind daily. That’s the battle as long as God has me on earth.

DAY 6: OBEDIENCE

Nobody likes to be told what to do. No matter who the person is. When we hear “OBEDIENCE”, we think of dictatorship, control, etc. That’s far from God.

As a father, God wants the best for us. We can only experience His glory through our dutiful obedience. Sometimes, we want to obey the things of the earth before we obey the God of Heaven.

Obedience for me is tithing & giving. We are encouraged to tithe 10% to God. When tithing, we should do it because we’re cheerful and believe in God. I’m disobeying God when I’m not tithing. When I tithe, I trust God. When I give, I’m reaping in good soil. The experience I will share is not tithing, but giving.

I tested God in this (Mal. 3:10) when I gave to someone in need. I gave some dollars, leaving me short until the next paycheck. When I checked my account days later, I got more than I anticipated! It was a bonus from the company I work at through a grant they received! My obedience awarded me with this blessing, allowing me to sow into even more good soil.

Your obedience will reap a good sow.

DAY 7: SEEKING

If you sat down with Jesus at a coffee shop and told him that you SEEK Him daily, what would He say to you? Would he say that you only seek Him when in need? Would he say that you only seek Him when you’re struggling? Would he say that you only seek Him on Sundays?

I made time for God on this day. To pray to Him, read His Word, and listen to music that glorifies God. I also read books that expound on God through commentary and studying. I also watch sermons and music videos online.

When seeking God, from my experience, I experience confidence like nothing can touch me. I felt like David facing Goliaths. The giants in my life are nothing compared to my God.

DAY 8: UNITY

My heart for The Church has been that every congregation from around the world came together and worshiped God collectively. I believe this would be the biggest impact the world would experience. Seeing that kind of UNITY would be amazing!

While that is important, unity in a local is important. Our local communities need to see the love we have for each other (John 13:35). At the time of this writing, I’ve been a member of Fresh Start for 8 months. I make an effort to know my community by serving, attending events when I can, and joining ministries.

Ministries that I look forward to joining are Men’s Ministries & Marriage Ministries. These are great ministries to connect, pray for one another, disciple one another, and connect. I’ve connected with some great people through these ministries and attending the church weekly.

I may not connect with everyone, but I make the effort to build with whoever is in my presence. I create unity through posting in the men’s chat weekly by sharing testimonies & resources. I also make an effort to reply to messages not just through reactions, but through voice notes or messages.

My wife and I are joining the marriage ministry committee. We’re going to help plan the ministry and get it off the ground. It’s a great ministry that should be pruned, due to living in a world where marriages are broken and looked down on. We vow to serve in the ministry with excellence.

DAY 9: VISION

African-American Scientist George Washington Carver once said:

“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”

God ordains our steps, yes. However, we should always have a VISION ready and written day that ALIGNS with God’s plan for your life. Every year, my wife and I create a vision board of what we want to see in the year. We pray about it, give it to God, and pray that it comes to pass in His Name.

One of our visions is to be intentional about what to eat and work out. We’re getting older, our bodies are changing. We can’t eat the way we used to. As we were talking about our vision, Fresh Start launched a fitness ministry called “Fit Future.” My wife is a youth worker, so she gets to work alongside the youth!

The church also has a fitness ministry for adults. There is no name, but it happens on Tuesday evening. I showed my wife this and she was quoting our Apostle when he said there are no excuses this year!

The vision is set in place, we have NO EXCUSES!! When our vision aligns with God’s plan, we will prosper.

DAY 10: LEADERSHIP

I had a situation at my job where we sent a family home. For context, I work at an Early Head Start program. We visit the homes of families and conduct lessons for the children. For the families that don’t want us in the home, we have the visits at a local church we’re partnered with.

With the context out of the way, I’ll get to the story.

Two families were to come to the church with their children. Me and two other co-teachers set up the mats and toys to be ready for the families. We give families a 15-minute grace period. If they don’t show up, we leave. My co-teacher took it a step further and said when it hits the 15-minute mark, we still leave even if the parents arrive.

Deep down, I knew that was wrong to waste their time and send them away, but I kept quiet to avoid conflict. The Holy Spirit was nudging me, but out of fear of man, I ignored it. I may have suggested we stayed, but it was passive. Their defense was that it was in the policy, which turned out to be a lie. The truth was they didn’t want to work that day.

So the parents arrived and we (I wish I could say “they” but I have to hold myself accountable) sent them home. Of course, they were upset. I felt bad enough, then felt worse when one of the children started crying! We reported to the manager. She wasn’t happy about it. It was a bad day for me.

I was livid at the teachers and myself.

I called a brother-in-Christ and best friend to vent and pray about it. As we spoke, he said that God may be calling me into LEADERSHIP. Not an actual leadership position in a church or company, just as an individual. He said a quality of leadership is conflict resolution.

Conflict Resolution is a process that helps people in a disagreement find a solution. It’s a short-term approach that aims to permanently resolve issues. It’s not easy, because it can drag depending on the person. But it’s a necessary leadership quality that requires A LOT of love, patience, and listening. I believe God is working with me in this area. I’m seen at my job as reliable and above reproach. That’s the image of Christ!

I will continue to exercise that quality and learn to apply that in everyday life. In my marriage, my community, and my job.

DAY 11: FAMILIES

FAMILY is God’s design. We are responsible, as men, for what goes on in our households. A strong family starts on the foundation of the Rock.

This year, my wife and I decided we would have two prayer points and scriptures with the prayer points every month. We’d fast on the first of every month and focus on the prayer points. January, we’re focusing on Foundation (Matt. 7:24–27)and Unity (Ecc. 4:12). We are intentional in bringing these words to life in our marriage and community.

I’ve been married for 11 months at the time of this writing. I’ve learned A LOT in this marriage about myself the things I need God to strengthen me in and the things I need to give to God. Being a husband is work, but it’s worth it when you see your family grow, your legacy inspires and the Kingdom of God grow.

DAY 12: STRONGHOLDS

A STRONGHOLD is a sin or circumstance that illegitimately holds a person in spiritual bondage; a negative, destructive pattern of thinking or actions used by Satan to promote a recurrence of sin in our lives.

With that, the challenge for me is to identify the strongholds in my life and destroy them in the name of Jesus. For transparency, some of the strongholds in my life are lust, pride, temper, and unforgiveness.

I overcome those strongholds through prayer, confessions, and facing the obstacles head-on. That is through loving (1 Peter 4:8), forgiveness (Mark 11:25), and reading the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16–17). When I do these things, the freedom I feel is indescribable. It’s not easy breaking strongholds. It always starts with confrontation; that isn’t always easy to do. If this is you, ask God to give you the strength and boldness to confront these strongholds and to start the process of breaking them and giving them to God.

DAY 13: PROMISES

During this day, I kept hearing lyrics to a worship song:

My Lord, My God, Keeps his promises.

This song resonates with me when I think about the PROMISES God kept in my life and the lives of others. I used this day to reflect on the promises God kept in my life and the lives of those closest to me. I will share those promises.

I prayed to God for my closest friend to come to Him. He was my first assignment during my early days in Christ. I asked God to use a Christian Hip-Hop project to spark interest in learning about Him. God let me to Lecrae’s mixtape “Church Clothes.” The mixtape was perfect for him. He was a hip-hop head at the time. Long story short, he listened and called me and wanted to learn more about God. Now he’s a lead evangelist at his local church and recently got married. I was honored to be his best man!

A promise I have seen in someone’s life was that they would get a house and kick-start their business. Living in NYCHA housing with his wife & four kids, he was working in his community to prevent gun violence and provide youth with jobs. God blessed him with a vision to start his organization. He was blessed with funds to move out and become a homeowner. His business is not in a perfect financial situation, but his social impact is bigger than anything he makes. He got youth great jobs, he works alongside government officials and celebrities. God is unconventionally fulfilling His promise, but the evidence is seen through the work and impact.

God is a PROMISE KEEPER!

DAY 14: OUTPOURING

It’s fitting that the last day of the fast not only falls on a Sunday; but on the day before Martin Luther King Day. As we honor the life and legacy of MLK, we reflect on the dreams and endurance of Joseph in the Bible.

As I was listening to the sermon by Apostle G. Morris Coleman, I was connecting it with the prayer point, OUTPOURING. My dreams are not about me, they are about fulfilling God’s plan. The dreams are from God for me to manifest into the atmosphere. With that, we will pour out the Holy Spirit wherever we go.

This is powerful to me because I desire to use my creativity to outpour the world. That’ll be through my music, through my writing, through my graphics, through my art, through my life & legacy. In this prayer point, I’m reminded my desires are bigger than me. They were etched on my heart by God. It was for a great reason!

TAKEAWAYS

As the year begins, I’m approaching it with a newfound confidence, boldness, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. This fast has marked a new chapter in my life as God continues to renew my vision and reveal clearer truths to me.

I’m stepping into a new season of faith, marked by a boldness and confidence I haven’t known before. It’s as if a veil has been lifted, and I’m seeing the world and my place in it with fresh eyes. This newfound assurance isn’t rooted in my strength or abilities but in the profound awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in my life.

This journey of faith is a continuous unfolding, and I’m eager to see how the Holy Spirit will move and work in my life this year. I’m committed to cultivating a deeper sensitivity to His promptings, allowing Him to shape my thoughts, words, and actions. I pray that this year will be one of growth, obedience, and deeper intimacy with God, as I surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to empower me to live a life that truly honors Him.

Did I also mention I lost some weight?