(Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts along my journey to having a closer relationship to God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If you want to know The Way, read the Bible.)
I have never fasted before, other than as a child when we abstained from meat on Fridays during Lent. Some people would tease me about that, and some would question what difference it really made? For me, it only matters when it is based on your beliefs and actions. I looked at it as a tiny sacrifice to show appreciation leading up to Easter. I see it as appreciation.
So, what is fasting? It is never literally defined in the Bible with a how-to. I understand that there are many interpretations of fasting and that people do it in many ways, for different lengths of time, and for different reasons.
Daniel 9:3:
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
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Joel 2:12:
[ Rend Your Heart ] “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
It is apparently often used by believers during tough times. Though I had heard much about it, I had never participated but had been thinking that I should. On Sunday I made the commitment. What happened?
True confession: I was nodding off during service at 10:30 a.m. Yikes! I guess not having coffee or protein in the morning truly does affect you.
I also had lunch after service with friends. They had a hearty breakfast, and I had only an Arnold Palmer. It was a bit challenging with the smell of bacon in the air and watching others enjoy eating. Yum.
It definitely gave me a different perspective on my entire day. I was tempted to get a coffee (a favorite), but I realized that my little monkey mind was trying to justify that. I remembered my reason for fasting and my meatless Fridays growing up. I quickly realized that I would not be making much of a sacrifice if I gave in and got my favorite drink. I drove past Dunkin’ Donuts and smiled.
I took a nap in the afternoon and went to the movies at night. I know that some people who are fasting allow themselves to have liquids, so I had a vitamin water during the movie. It had never tasted so good. Maybe I should have had just water? I don’t know. I can’t say that anything magical happened; God did not come down and speak to me on Sunday. Maybe He was whispering. I know He knows I took my first step, and that is better than not taking it. I hope He noticed and smiled.
Matthew 4:2:
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Wow, I did it this first time for only 24 hours, and I had juice. I can’t imagine 40 days. My pastor says that for him the first day and the last are the hardest. I did it for just one day.
My understanding is that the intention is to make sure we are putting God first, even before needing food. I’m glad I took my first step. Now I feel that I need to fast either longer or with only water or both.
Next time I think I need to spend more time praying. I did get the revelation that I had much more time in my day when I wasn’t working around eating. If you are awake for 16 hours and eating and you spend at least half an hour preparing breakfast and lunch and an hour for dinner, that is an 2 extra hours.
I love this passage…
Matthew 6:16:
[ Fasting ] “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
My intention in writing about this is not to brag. 24 hours with no protein is not a great feat! It is just a first step and trying something new. It is just to share my journey of learning and seeking insight and to get you to consider and help me understand other insights.
Do you fast? If so, how do you, and why fast? I’m curious.
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=fasting&qs_version=NIV
Thank you, God, for Grace, Truth, Love, and Laughter,
Darren
P.S. Thank you, especially, for grace.
Want to see more God Blog posts? https://darrenlacroix.com/category/godblog/
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