by A. South

Created on: September 21, 2011

I decided to fast from Coke for a week. That may not seem like a big sacrifice to many people, but I really love Coke. If it weren't for good sense, I could drink more than ten a day. Whether or not it's healthy, I don't really care about that, but when I was thinking of something in my life that I could give up for God Coke was the first thing to come to mind. One Sunday morning I prayed and told Him that He would be my Coke for the next week. Yeah, I felt just as silly praying it as you did reading it, but I wanted the fast to be official.

Fasting is a serious religious decision, but the concept is relatively simple. Basically, when a person fasts they give up or deny themselves something they are otherwise dependent on. Food is the most common sacrifice, but it isn't the only acceptable one. I'm a runner, so fasting from food isn't necessarily the best idea, especially now when I'm training for a marathon. That's why I chose to fast from Coke my favorite daily pick-me-up.

A Coke fast may seem wimpy when compared with a fast from food, but in a spiritual sense, both fasts accomplish the same thing. When a comfort is removed, it reminds us to rely on God instead of earthly things and comforts.

Coke tastes a heck of a lot better than water does, I found that out pretty quick. I also found out that Coke has caffeine, water doesn't. I didn't notice until the second day. Suddenly I had a headache and felt like I was pulling a wagon wherever I went. My first instinct was to throw back a soda, but then I remembered that prayer, so I stayed strong.

Then things got easy. Surprisingly easy. So easy that I thought my fast was wimpy. Then Thursday night rolled around. I had a soccer game so I didn't get home until late and I had a ton of homework. I almost fell asleep standing up. I quickly rationalized drinking a Coke. I needed a jolt of energy. I grabbed one from the fridge, untwisted the top and put the bottle up to my mouth. Then I remembered the prayer.

When you fast you are trusting God to fill a need that you previously filled through some other means. God kept me energized that night.

Learn more about this author, A. South.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.