Interview by Lynne C. Parker

Once, a little girl in the 7th grade read something about someone else’s pain. Her purpose was clear; to help those that have been hurt and mangled by life. It was in that moment that Celeste knew she would become a psychologist. Her sensitivity to the distress of others framed her life purpose to assist in improving the quality of life for all those who God allowed to her to intercept paths with.

Impressive in credentials, skills and abilities, these gifts are noteworthy. However, this woman, gentle in spirit and powerful in deed, is so much more. Dr. Celeste Owens is a sought after public speaker, facilitator, writer, and author whose personal mission is to motivate and inspire every person to succeed. Her speaking career began in 2004 as a faculty member with the University of Maryland at Baltimore. An expert on personal growth and trauma, she is dedicated to enriching the lives of others. Because she believes our Heavenly Father has created every person for a divine purpose and each of us has the potential to succeed beyond measure, she gives tirelessly of her gifts and talents.

Recently, through the course of several enlightening conversations, we spoke with Dr. Owens about her new book, “The 40 Day Surrender Fast – The Guide for Releasing Your Plan, Renewing Your Mind, and Restoring Your Life”. Dr. Owens takes us on a journey for self-examination and reflection to seek out the voice of God concerning our lives, purpose and destiny.

 

Why did you write The 40-Day Surrender Fast?

I never intended for The 40-Day Surrender Fast to be my first book, nor my second for that matter. In fact it wasn’t even on my radar. Yet I had prayed for it and God gave me more than I requested. Let me explain.

I am near completion of a book that I believe will change the way this generation approaches success. It outlines the steps that every person must take to fulfill his/her destiny. The fifth step is “Isolation” and the proper conclusion to this stage is a fast. Jesus, during His time of isolation in the wilderness, fasted for 40 days and nights from food and drink (Matthew 4:1-11). As a reward for his complete surrender to God’s plan, He was ushered into His destiny. I remember reading that passage and thinking I need a fasting workbook or something that would help people successfully navigate Isolation. God heard and answered that silent request.

In September of 2010 as I was embarking on my third 40-day fast that year. The Spirit spoke to me, “Do the fast with others on a blog.” I obeyed, posting each morning to the Surrender Fast blog, this devotional is the fruit of our time together.

What is a “surrender” fast?

The Surrender Fast is just what it sounds like. It is a fast that requires you to surrender your will and plan for that of the Lord’s. It shares both similarities and dissimilarities to traditional fasting that we read about in the bible. Traditional fasting requires an abstention from food. This type of fasting is powerful in that it denies the flesh and allows the participant to draw closer to God. Likewise, the surrender fast also enables the participant to develop a more intimate relationship with God but what you surrender is up to God and He always ask that you surrender the thing that shares part of your heart with Him. Luke 10:27 reads, He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself” (NIV). All your heart. In a world filled with distractions and temporary emotional comforts that is a nearly impossible feat, but that is no excuse. The fulfillment of your destiny requires radical obedience to the Creator. Jesus said some variation of the phrase, “I did and said only what my Father told me to do” 15 times in the book of John. He fulfilled His destiny and so can you if you decide to surrender ALL of your divided to Him.

How does the fast work?

It’s simple and not simple all at the same time. First, you read the Pre-Fast Devotionals and seek God for what to give up. When He answers, you commit to give that up for 40-days. That’s the easy part. The not so easy part is the process. It takes a major commitment of time and emotion. Because the enemy is displeased with your efforts, He hits you with all that He can hit you with. Many people have desire to quit somewhere between days 17 and 28 (and this phenomenon is discussed in the book however, for those who decided to endure the discomfort for the entire 40 days the spiritual and natural breakthroughs were of awesome proportions.

Why 40 days?

The number forty is significant for several reasons. One, it is universally accepted as a number of importance to God not only for the frequency of its occurrence in the Bible but also for its association with a period of trial and probation. For example: In Noah’s day the rains fell for 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:4); The children of Israel wandered the wilderness for 40 years (Joshua 5:6); Goliath presented himself to Israel for 40 days (1 Samuel 17:16), etc.

Secondly, the number 40 is significant because it appears to be, at least from my experiences, the right amount of time needed to break a stronghold. You may have read, and research indicates that it takes about 21 days to make or break a habit. This may be true but a stronghold is something different; it’s a habit gone wild. For that reason, 40 days appears to be the more accurate number for breaking a stronghold and The 40-Day Surrender Fast will do just that is you let God’s grace do all of the work.

Is the Surrender Fast for everyone?

First let me say that traditional fasting should be part of every Christian’s lifestyle: we should be in the habit of regularly turning down our plate and denying the flesh. The scripture reminds us that some things only come through prayer and fasting. In fact, in my church of origin we fasted every Tuesday and Friday. And even today I fast from food at least once a week.

However, I was surprised to learn that several of the people who have completed The Surrender Fast had never fasted. For some it had never occurred to them that they should. So the Surrender Fast, while different, is good for both novice and experienced fasters. It is also the method of fasting that God has chosen for such a time as this; it produces results and is the “fast that last.” In fact, many people who have completed the fast have reported that some variation of the 40-day surrender fast will be forever be part of their Christian walk.

Would you agree that The “The 40 Day Surrender Fast – The Guide for Releasing Your Plan, Renewing Your Mind, and Restoring Your Life” can be used as a standalone or companion to complement the beginning of the year fast and consecration that many ministries participate in?

I couldn’t agree more. Because of our time with God last September 2010, we learned that surrender is not something that we were to do for a moment in time, but a posture that we are committed to for a lifetime. The beginning of the year is a time when many people reaffirm their faith and evaluate their Christ-walk. The 40 Day Surrender Fast takes does just that; allows you to evaluate and grow in your faith. Individuals, study groups, and ministries can all benefit from this type of fast and discovery journey.

Absolutely! I can honestly say what I’ve learned by reading The 40 Day Surrender Fast has blessed me and caused me to change my voice to God. Dr. Owens, thank you for your time. I pray the faithfulness of God rests upon you.

I pray the same for you. Surrender it all to the One who has your best life mapped out for you. Forty days and a surrendered heart will change your life!

Celeste C. Owens, Ph.D.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Celeste holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a Master of Science in Applied Counseling Psychology from the University of Baltimore and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.

As a result of her dedicated service to others, she has gained national recognition, respect and attention for her thought-provoking and inspiring presentations. She has appeared on cable television, and has been featured in local and national media outlets. She is an avid writer. Her first book, The 40-Day Surrender Fast, is a devotional designed to help the reader develop a more intimate relationship with God. Her Good Success Movement blog and vlog are receiving excellent reader and viewer reviews.

In her spare time, she is actively involved in her local church and various other service organizations where she volunteers her time and talents generously. Dr. Celeste resides in the surrounding Washington Metropolitan Area where her most important works are being wife to her husband of 10 years and mom to their two young children.