It’s time to give it up for Jesus, y’all! Ha! This is the perfect time for a fast, don’t you think? We have entered a brand new year, and I want to set the tone ASAP.
As mentioned in the post, “The Only Resolution You Need For 2024,” the goal is to stay in God’s face, listen for His voice, and be obedient. I can’t think of a better way to begin than with a fast. I have never fasted for the purpose of getting closer to God, so I’m very excited about this! It’s about to get ugly, but I’m ready.
Why Fast?
As I learn more about Christianity, fasting seems to be just as essential to the journey as praying, worshipping, Bible study and congregating with other Christians. It’s not a commandment, or a stated requirement, but Jesus expected this of His followers. The purpose of fasting is to “starve the flesh”; meaning to abstain to create more hunger for the Lord. It’s about breaking strongholds and relying on God. It’s about expressing your love to Him. There are more reasons than these, but these are my reasons.
Think about all the things this world has to offer. Food, alcohol, sex and pleasure, television and internet entertainment, music, social media, social gatherings… I could go on, but you get the point. Obliviously, we become full from worldly things. With little effort we can become distracted and turn to our everyday vices more than we go to God. If we aren’t intentional about what we consume, we will unintentionally put out the embers of our spiritual fire. Think about the things you turn to the most; these are your strongholds. They can be few or many, no judgement here! We all have them. But If we don’t fast, we will fold (spiritually)! I can say this confidently because even outside of my Christian journey, I’ve had to continually fast and abstain. What I’ve learned is that embracing a break or eliminating something entirely tends to produce an elevated sense of buoyancy and clarity.
You say, “I am allowed to do anything” –but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything” –but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT
*In this verse, Paul is addressing the topic of idolatry, which is particularly relevant to this post as our vices often function as idols.*
Exploring Alternatives
A traditional fast is perfect for magnifying Christ. But, you might want to address your strongholds too. For example, if you find yourself scrolling endlessly on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok; consider adding a social media fast to your practice. If you rely on that extra glass of wine, that second beer, or a hard drink after work, practice an alcohol fast. If Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ has you in a chokehold, practice a television fast. If a warm body, vibrator, or your paws are your stronghold, practice a sexual fast. And so on.
It’s the strongholds for me. Along with traditional fasting, I’m going to attack two of them. Whew! Pray for me!
Navigating The Fast
When hunger pangs and withdrawals are swinging at me, my plan is to pull out my handy-dandy Bible and read, read, read. Or, bow my head and pray, pray, pray. I’m also going to listen to sermons, write, and connect with friends. The plan is to busy myself with things that are good for my spirit. I want to be so full of what’s good for my soul that the distractions I’ve become accustomed to become less and less familiar. Through self-denial, faith will be the only thing I can lean on.
Jesus didn’t want us to make our fasting about impressing people:
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 NLT
So I wont divulge any more information about my fast; even though I would love to talk with you all about it. It would be great to share stories and insights, but I wouldn’t want any of us to unintentionally block our blessings! Nevertheless, I felt compelled to write this post so that I might plant the seed in your mind and offer encouragement if you are contemplating fasting in the near future. I’ll wrap this up with a short prayer.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for all of the wonderful gifts you’ve provided for us here on Earth. Please be with me as I give up what my flesh craves, and bring me closer to you during this time. Help me to see the temporary discomfort as a small price to pay for a deeper relationship with you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy fasting!
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