Ann here, hello my fellow fasting SUM warriors!

Day 3 of the fast.

I'm writing just after midday on day 3. Today finds me hungry, a little spaced out, and feeling doddery. How's your fast gone? Share in the comments if you like.

I sat with God for a long time this morning, and wrote this to him:

I feel like I'm in a bubble of glory this morning.

It is so beautiful being able to sit with you and devote this time to you and your word - written and heard.

My friends, this is the tenth year I've taken part in this community fast. And I am convinced that these fasts are responsible for my ability to walk cheerfully in my SUM situation. I believe the same can be said of many of you, who I know have done these corporate fasts year after year. These fasts have led those who participate to be victors and overcomers in their SUMs.

That is no small thing. It is a miracle to have your attitude changed when you're in a spiritually mismatched marriage.

The first fast I did was in 2015. I approached it with huge trepidation and wow was it hard! I tried to go from morning to sunset each day without food and by 3pm every single day I was hanging around the kitchen fighting the urge to have a bag of chips. I would usually cave and shove a pile of food in my mouth at high speed, crumbs flying.

"Aggh, God! I didn't manage it!" I would whimper, licking the salt and grease of the chips off my lips, and feeling instantly better but frustrated I'd given up. But no, he laughed over me. He loved my heart and little did I realize what a powerful thing I'd been partaking in, this corporate fast.

Over the years my stamina for fasting increased. Still, "Come on Bryce!" I would anguish. "Turn to God, then I won't have to fast any more!"

I'm laughing now. It's not about that. It's not about fasting so he gets saved. It's about fasting so that I become close to God. All else flows from that.

Well, somewhere along the 2015-2024 fasting path, a miracle did happen: God removed all of my pain about my SUM. He operated on it like a surgeon, stitched me up and lo and behold it was gone.

Inconvenience still, yes; challenges still. But not pain.

So I'd love our prayer prompt today to be about that. Let's pray:

Lord, heal me of my pain about my SUM.

In the name of Jesus, let there be no more pity, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, or bondage in me in relation to this SUM situation.

In the name of Jesus, I speak into my heart JOY. PEACE. HOPE. and LOVE. in relation to my marriage.

Jesus, take me into the operating theatre of the Holy Spirit and do a miraculous work in my mind and heart. 

And finally, Jesus, make me an overcomer!

My friends, if you would like prayer for the pain, post in the comments and I'll pray for you. You may find the road to healing is still a little longer than you hope, and he may take you on a learning journey, but God will surely answer that prayer.

Sending you so much love

Ann