What Are You Hungry For?

 

In our last teacher’s meeting one of the young ladies in our Extended Care program challenged us to go deeper. We have been in a “rebuilding” year and have been praying for God’s provision and direction. She challenged us to join in several voluntary 3-day fasts at specific times during the rest of this year’s school year.

I am not foreign to fasting, but I cannot say I practice it regularly like many other of my friends. Many groups (religious or otherwise) practice fasting at various times of the year, often in association with prayer or meditation. Some people fast as a way to lose weight. Fasting can help you focus on your goals or desired outcomes that you would like to see accomplished. The main idea is to do without something (often food) for a specific period of time. During that time, if you think about what you are fasting from, you are encouraged to pray/meditate about why you are fasting. Since our times are voluntary, we also get to choose how we fast, and from what to fast. 

Several common fasts that I an associated with are:

• ·       Partial Day - No food until 10:00 AM or skipping 1 or more meals
• ·       Daylight Fast – waiting until sundown to eat
• ·       Water Only Fast – no food, but regular water intake
• ·       Juice Fast – no food, but fruit juices are ok
• ·       Daniel Fast – Fruit & vegetables only, no sweets, no meat, no caffeine
• ·       Social Media Fast – giving up all social media apps

So what kind of fast should I do? There are many kinds, each with its benefits and drawbacks. (Note: If you have any underlying medical conditions, I encourage you to check with your physician first.) Normally I would not share what fast I am on. I think it’s a personal thing between you and your Creator.

“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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)

However, since I’m blogging about it, I will share my choice for the next 3 days. For the first time, I have chosen to do a 3 day social media fast. I spend way to much time scrolling anyway. (Facebook I can easily avoid, but no Pokémon Go? (Ya, that’s gonna leave a mark.)  I plan to replace it with listening to scripture and praying for the needs of the school. I haven’t decided what I am going to do for the other times.

So what are you hungry for? Maybe fasting can help.

 

Take these as they are – possible helps. I have not read everything but they looked helpful.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-christians-need-to-know-about-fasting-and-prayer.html

https://www.crossroads.net/media/articles/what-are-the-types-of-spiritual-fasting

https://www.health.com/fasting-8620781