Fasting

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Fasting – Episode 114

Fasting has never been anything I’ve enjoyed and probably the experience is the same for you. However, it can be redemptive and help us to put into perspective God’s holy will for our lives.

Thanks to our sponsor: Media Angels.com and Felice Gerwitz on Amazon

Does anyone even fast anymore? That is a question I wonder and ask. As a Catholic, I grew up fasting from meat every Friday. We ate other foods and often they were equally delicious. To this day during the season of Lent, we hold strictly to the no meat rule. For some it is easy and for others, it is not.

Fasting isn’t easy – it isn’t fun and most avoid it or have never fasted in their lives.

Why fast? Well, even Jesus fasted before he began his public ministry and for forty-days. And during this time he was tempted by Satan. Interestingly, Satan used words from Scriptures to make his point and Matthew 4:1-11

Here are some points to consider:

1. Health benefits
2. Helps us to remind us to conform to God’s will (why this is important)
3. To no longer live for himself but for him who loves him and gave himself to us
4. Unity of the whole person body and should
5. Helps us to avoid sin
6. Grow in intimacy with the Lord
7. Bible talks about fasting
   1. Ester: 4:3
   2. Psalm 35: 13
   3. Daniel 6:16-18
   4. Matthew 17:21 – “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
   5. Acts 13:20

By not eating or denying ourselves nourishment (not drinking coffee, fasting from meat, or having only water, or only bread and water) we allow our souls to be in a position where we are open to listening to Christ to be fed by his saving word. Through fasting in prayer, we become open – we have a hunger that goes beyond food or drink, a hunger to understand and know more about the Almighty. If we fast with the right mindset and heart then it can as the Bible tells us over and over again, be a benefit for us spiritually.

I invite you to try to fast. If you can’t fast from food all day, then fast from a specific thing or fast part of the day, but whatever you do, do it for the glory of God!

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, I thank you for today and for allowing me to recognize the importance of fasting to get closer to you and I pray for all those who are hurting, all those who cry out to you and need you today Lord. I intercede on their behalf. Teach me how to fast in a way that will help me to understand and love you more. I want to grow in my faith. Dear Lord, I ask specifically for these needs that I have today: and I thank you Lord for being here for me, for listening and for the gift of faith. And, I pray this in Jesus, Name. Amen.

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