The Pain Paradox

We have all heard the saying “no pain, no gain”.  It is often used to encourage an athlete to work harder in order to achieve some long term goal.  I am applying this saying to myself as I enter day #4 in my Daniel Fast.  Eating  just fruits and vegatables has left me hungry and fatigued.  I have already lost 4 lbs. , and I am not trying to lose any weight.  I have experienced  headaches, stomach aches and dizziness.  I have to admit I am weaker than I anticipated.  My focus has been mainly on food, but I sense a subtle change occurring.  Last night on my bed I was able to spend some time with God.  Nothing significant, but a new awareness is developing within me.  I am praying for that tipping point where I go beyond the pain to the presence of God.  Psalms promises that weeping may remain for a night but joy comes in the morning.  The morning will arrive as we move beyond the physical into the spiritual. Like a married couple going on a retreat, fasting is a time to reorient ourselvess with God.  It is not about ritual but relationship.  It is a time of discovery, intimacy and direction.