an unexpected gift

Chris and I have been going to Avalon Church for about eight years, I think.  I had heard of fasting before then but had never actually done it.  I'm pretty sure it was five years ago that Chris and I started fasting together.  Our pastor introduced an idea that the church would all fast for 21 days at the beginning of the year, so we decided to join in.  Each time we have fasted (whether it was as part of a group like that or just on our own) we have had specific things that we were praying for.  We have prayed and fasted for our church, our marriage, business, kids, you name it and we put it on our list.
I do not tell you this so that you'll think that we are awesome, but so you'll know that God is.  
It's not like, "hey- we fasted and we won the lottery/ got a new car/ got pregnant!"  I'm pretty sure there were a couple of years where we (and several people in our family and church family) were praying specifically for us to be able to have kids.  We have prayed continually for God to bless and grow our business, and it has happened slowly but surely.  
It's not magic.  It didn't happen in our timeline.  We have fasted and prayed for many things, and in the end, everything has happened according to God's plan and purpose for our lives.  
This year, Chris and I decided to split up our fast.  Normally we do three consecutive weeks in January, but this time we did one week in January and then our second week was at the end of April.  I had five specific things that I was praying for.  
What I got was peace.  It wasn't on my list, but wouldn't you know it?  It's just exactly what I needed.
Nothing just happens.


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.