Shu Yan's Testimony
Below is a sharing from our fellow Crusader , Shu Yan. She is a Year 3 Nursing student in NYP. We hope that you will be encouraged by reading about her fasting experience as she shares her heart as a fellow student and Crusader.
Shu Yan (Right in the picture) with fellow NYP Crusader, Jolene!
I started fasting after reading Dr Bill Bright's book 'A Call For Revival' . Through that book, I was convinced that fasting is important, though it's often neglected in our Christian walk. I learnt that fasting must be done with right motives, and over and above all the spiritual benefits that fasting brings, fasting must first be about God. Through that book, I had all my doubts and questions about fasting answered, and I decided to try out fasting. I first set my objective for the fast and decided to do a 3-day juice fast (juice/plain water for meals). I hope to share with you what happened and how I experienced God through snippets from my journal during the fast.
Day 1:
"Sincerely wanted to fast as an act of my will, to confess my sins, to die to my flesh and to humble myself before Him. I confessed my sins. As I went throughout the day with prayer & fasting, I realized that it is easier to look to Him than before because I no longer depended on food, which often cause me to be self-sufficient."
(On first day, I prayed throughout the day for my heart's condition and situation. However that night I was so tempted to break my fast.)
"The pasar malam food was so delicious! For a moment, I looked to food more than to God. I remember reading somewhere in the book (Bill Bright's book) regarding such situations. Ha, I found it! It says that my 'self' will rise up and say 'Hey, this is as far as I want to go. Haven't we done enough?' That's the thought in my mind! But I remembered to not give up so that Holy Spirit can work thoroughly in me through the 3 day fast. It made sense why I read James 1 this morning. James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who persevere under trial because when he stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him"
Day 2:
"God has been revealing things to me. Things that I don't feel good about. Things like insecurities, unbelief, fear and even self-centeredness. I thought that I had gotten over with them. I confessed again, and I realized that many times I seek approval from men more than from God."
Day 3
"I woke up feeling stronger. Thank God for the strength. God is good. I believe God increases my faith. Today as I was sitting in the bus, I wanted to share with the lady beside me. Many things went through my mind like, "what if she's a Muslim" or "what if she don't understand". God reminded me of yesterday's QT. That faith without deeds is dead. (James 2) Thank God for the faith He gave me to act according to His Word. She is a Catholic from Philippines so I didn't share the gospel but prayed for her. I know God is working in me to help me die to my flesh."
At the end of the fast, I was humbled and I thank God for the spiritual renewal. My faith was stronger too and as I intentionally set aside time to seek Him, I really found Him so real in my life. However, everyone's experience is very different and you never what God can do in your life as you prayerfully seek Him! I hope that you too will allow God to lead you as you fast and pray!
