One week ago today, I sat at a table with a group of friends having a great time, feasting, and celebrating the coming new year which was only a few hours away.

I knew the very next morning what I would be embarking upon.  What I didn't know was the deep effect this would begin to have on me.

Most of my day today was productive.  I was full of energy.  My cup runneth over with energy!  I was filled with some stresses.  A sick child, a very sick wife, and a near collision in my car.  Bad drivers!  As a former pastor of mine use to say... They just give you a chance to love Jesus even more.  Just your average Monday.

My body feels great.  I have had a slight headache throughout the evening, but overall I feel great.  The stiffness in my joints is completely gone.  I've not had back pain for several days now.  I've dropped nearly 20 pounds this week!  These are definitely the physical benefits of a fast.  At one point I felt like I could take off and run a marathon, but I know that would not be the smart thing to do.  In time.

I have such a sense of calm that I seem to have moved into.  My mind seems alert and my heart prepared to receive.  I am enjoying this place that I am in.  I prayed incessantly throughout the day.  Every little moment I was thinking of something, I was praying.  I was eager to get into the Word more.    I had a moment of struggle, when I cried out "Father walk beside me!"  I felt Him clearly speak to my spirit as He said, "I am here."

Such peace.

My reading tonight in Luke took me, again, to Jesus as he fasted.  The enemy did all he could to persuade Christ to give into the suggestions of appeasing the flesh.  To no avail!  Many may not realize, but it was a the end of his fast when this took place.  Precisely at the ultimate point of weakness.

Exactly how the devil likes to work.  We move into a great time of discipline and strength in our lives, yet he waits until our most weakest and vulnerable times to attack.  Brilliant on his part!  Cowardly as well.

I'm thankful to serve a God of great might and power, who sustains us and enables us, and gives us the power indeed to overcome the ignorance and cowardice of the enemy!

Comment below.  What have you overcome in your life as the enemy tried to lure you in?