My 39 Day Fast

You are probably thinking, “Don’t you know it’s supposed to be a 40-Day fast?  Couldn’t you make it one more day?”.  My answer may surprise you.

I was on Day 38 of my 40-Day fast and I could taste (figuratively and literally!) the finish line. 

The first few days of the fast had been tough, and I seriously doubted I would make it the full 40.  My daily prayer was, “Lord, I will do this for as long as You ask me to.  If You want me to continue, give me the strength to say ‘no’ to food.”  Each day He encouraged me to keep going.  Each day, that is, until Day 38.

Fasting for weeks had deepened my relationship with God, loosened my grip on the “things of this world” and revealed areas that needed spiritual renewal.  And then God exposed the thing that most holds me back.

I was praying on Day 38 when I heard the Spirit whisper to my soul, “I want you to stop fasting after tomorrow.”

“You’re kidding right?” I responded in utter disbelief.  “You do know that if I stop tomorrow I will only have done a 39-Day fast.  You could not have brought me through the last 38 days to have me stop one day short.  I can make it one more day!”

There was silence for a moment.

“I can make it one more day.” 

The words echoed in my mind, and I knew His answer before He spoke.

“That is the point, dear one.  This has never been about what you can do, but about what you are willing to do if I ask.”

I had been taught to finish what I start.  I thrive when I set goals, work hard and run to the end.  What God was asking seemed to go against who I thought He created me to be.

I felt Him smile.  “You’re assuming the finish line you’re shooting for is the finish line I set for you.”

Honestly, I’m still processing what He taught me in that moment, but I can tell you it changed me.   A weight had been lifted.   There is such freedom and unbridled joy with the gut level belief that God is not nearly as concerned with how hard I work or how many goals I achieve, as I am. What He longs for is my heart.  What He cares about most is that I am obeying His voice, following His lead, running His race.

Did He create me to be a goal setter, rule follower and a runner in life’s race?  Yes.  But I am designed to thrive when those three attributes are surrendered to His will, His voice, His race.

So, yes. I did a 39-Day fast.  One day short of 40, but exactly what God asked me to do.

I encourage you to ask God if He wants you to fast.  He will let you know when to do it and for how long.  He will change you, surprise you and show His deep love for you.  Just listen and obey.

Kathy Bright

©2026 Copyright Kathy Bright