EP 60: A Sacred Pause and Renewed Heart – In Totality with Megan Ashley

Introduction

In Episode 60 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," titled "A Sacred Pause and Renewed Heart," host Megan Ashley delves deep into her personal journey of taking a sabbatical from podcasting and content creation. This episode serves as both a reflection and an encouragement for listeners to embrace pauses in their spiritual and professional lives to foster deeper dependence on God.

Welcome Back and Season Two Kickoff

Megan begins the episode with heartfelt enthusiasm about returning to the podcast after a significant hiatus. She refers to this new phase as "season two," highlighting the transformative experiences she underwent during her time away. Megan shares her excitement and nervousness about getting back into the podcasting routine, likening it to "riding a bike" once more (00:03).

The Decision to Take a Sabbatical

Megan recounts the circumstances that led to her decision to pause her podcasting activities. Following a period of increased ministry involvement, including speaking engagements and the Acts 2:42 conference, Megan felt a divine pull to take a break. She expresses the internal conflict and fears associated with stepping back, particularly concerning her livelihood and the impact on her team (02:30).

Spiritual Conviction and Self-Reflection

During her sabbatical, Megan experienced profound spiritual convictions. She realized that her relationship with God had become transactional—seeking God primarily to fuel her content creation rather than for genuine intimacy. Megan shares a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening where she recognized that "he is enough" and that her time with God needed to be centered on Him alone, not on what He could provide for her (12:45).

Embarking on a Seven-Day Fast

Megan describes her participation in a seven-day fast led by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell at her church. Initially resistant and mentally preparing excuses, Megan felt compelled by the Lord to commit fully to the fast. She emphasizes the importance of community support, thanking her team members Jay and Jordan for their involvement and encouragement (18:20).

Challenges and Breakthroughs During the Fast

As the fast progressed, Megan encountered significant challenges, particularly around battling distractions and cravings. She candidly shares her struggles with resisting the temptation to indulge in entertainment like "Block Blast" and "Airplane Chef," which had previously consumed much of her time. However, Megan experienced miraculous moments of spiritual fulfillment when she turned to God in prayer, finding peace and satisfaction in His presence that no distraction could replace (27:10).

Lessons Learned and Spiritual Insights

Megan outlines several profound lessons from her fasting experience:

1. Total Dependence on God: Fasting stripped away all distractions, forcing Megan to rely solely on God for fulfillment and satisfaction.

2. Renewed Intimacy: The absence of usual comforts allowed Megan to cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.

3. Obedience and Discipline: The act of fasting reinforced the necessity of daily spiritual disciplines and obedience to God's call (35:50).

Megan emphasizes that fasting isn't merely about abstaining from food but about eliminating all forms of distractions to prioritize time with God. She challenges her listeners to engage in fasting as a means to "crucify your flesh" and foster a dependent relationship with the Lord (42:15).

Encouragement to Listeners

Megan passionately encourages her audience to consider incorporating fasting into their spiritual lives, irrespective of whether it's a one-day or a seven-day fast. She stresses the transformative power of fasting in training the mind and spirit to seek God above all else. Megan advises listeners to pray earnestly, asking God for guidance on how and what to fast, ensuring that the practice aligns with His will (48:30).

Book Recommendation and Community Resources

Highlighting the role of community and shared spiritual growth, Megan recommends "Relax" by Megan Fate Marshman, praising its insights on trusting the Lord. She invites listeners to join her in reading the book, fostering accountability and deeper discussion. Additionally, Megan directs her audience to her Amazon storefront, where they can find recommended books, Bible study materials, and other spiritual resources (55:10).

Upcoming Topics and Closing Thoughts

Megan hints at future episodes focusing on the theme of trust in the Lord, promising to share further insights gained from her current readings and spiritual experiences. She reiterates her gratitude for her listeners' support and expresses her hope that her journey encourages others to seek a more profound and dependent relationship with God (59:45).

Notable Quotes

• "The Lord is the only one that is consistent and remains. And so our first yield needs to be to Him." (52:20)

• "Fasting puts your flesh in check so that you are always dependent on Him, especially when you take everything away." (38:05)

• "There are no days off. It’s an everyday thing." (48:55)

Conclusion

In this episode, Megan Ashley transparently shares her personal struggles and victories during a period of intentional spiritual pause. Her candidness serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of stepping back to grow closer to God. Megan's insights and encouragement aim to inspire listeners to evaluate their own spiritual practices and consider embracing periods of intentional fasting and dependence on God. As she embarks on season two, Megan promises to continue guiding her audience towards a life wholly devoted to the Lord, enriched by vulnerability, transparency, and deep spiritual wisdom.