Text: Acts 9:9, 17-19
Memory text:
“So when he had received food, he was strengthened. ….”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Zeal without wisdom leads to harm. Fasting is a spiritual journey, and wisdom is the fuel that sustains it. A few days ago, we studied the wisdom in hydrating your body during fasting. Let’s look at other wisdom tips today.
According to today’s text, Paul was strengthened after his three days fasting, and he did not break down.
“And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.” (Matt 6:16 AMP). Your goal is to seek God, not to damage your body or to look sickly. Fasting should build you up spiritually and physically.
Fasting resets hunger hormones, and your digestive system wakes up slowly. Therefore, you need to eat with wisdom. Don’t rush to eat in response to your hunger but slowly. Start with easy-to-digest foods like fruits and smoothies. Those who are prone to stomach acidity or ulcer should avoid acidic fruits like oranges, garden eggs or pineapples. Smoothies could be made from fruits or vegetables. Optional foods to break with include yogurt, bone broth, or warm tea. Daniel broke his fast each day for ten days with vegetables and water; he ate no pleasant or rich foods (Dan 1:12-16; 10:2-3).
Wisdom requires that you eat in stages. In 1 Kings 19:5-6, the angel gave food to Elijah in stages. After your first light meal, wait 30–60 minutes before you eat something slightly heavier.
Avoid overeating (Prov 23:2). Aside from the fact that it’s sinful, it can weaken you, make you unable to pray or to wake up to pray, defeating the purpose of your fasting. It will also dull your spiritual sensitivity.
Avoid overcooked vegetables, fried foods, fatty meats and fish, spicy foods, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, and big heavy meals, like pounded yam. These can trigger serious stomach discomfort.
Eat nutrient-dense, calorie-rich meals to break fasting, instead of large-sized meals with low nutrients. They will preserve your muscle, body weight and increase satiety. Prioritize protein such as eggs, chicken, fish, soya cake, Greek yogurt, and beans. Plant protein is the best, and beans are the most common. They can be consumed in different forms. Carbs are also important but secondary. They replenish energy and help you avoid fatigue during long fasts.
Friends, the way you break your fast is as important as the fast itself.

Prayer points
1. Father, please strengthen me throughout this period of fasting and let this fast bring breakthrough, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, give me wisdom to fast safely and effectively; and teach me what to avoid and what to embrace, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. My body is preserved, strengthened, and protected. I am the temple of the Holy Spirit, and no weakness or sickness will overtake me.
2. I walk in divine wisdom. I fast with knowledge, understanding, and spiritual intelligence. My steps are ordered by the Lord.