Just Do It!
Truthfully, I was not looking forward to a sermon on fasting. That happens to be a spiritual practice that I have never chosen to take part in. It was a relief to hear Pastor Kyle explain how he had never really been serious about fasting. And, because Kyle believes that you have to live it before you lead it, we are going through this journey together.
Matthew 6:16 does indeed say, “WHEN you fast.” It does not say “IF.” That was an eye-opener to me. So, better late than never to learn about this “more important than I thought” foundational practice. Seriously, I have to do more than learn about it. I have to DO it.
Fasting is mentioned 50 times in the Old and New Testament. In the Old Testament it is used to show grief or to show humility. In the New Testament it is a means to grow closer to God. As much as I do not look forward to starting this practice of fasting, I do look forward to growing closer to God – to be more sensitive to what he is telling me. My fasting will look different because of medical reasons, yet I am sure there is a way to safely do it.
It has always been hard for me to listen when I pray. I want to do all the talking. Maybe, just maybe, during a fast I will be less inclined to talk and be more inclined to listen. My goal is at every hunger pang to pray and intentionally wait for his answer, his nudge, his leading.
We have been encouraged to give up something that smothers our desire for God. I am not sure what that is for me right now. I am confident God will reveal it to me.
God will not love me any more or less if I fast or if I don’t. Yet, I suspect that I will come out of a fasting experience loving God more!
-Terri V
Terri Venetta lives in Johnston where she enjoys gardening, canning, antiques, watercolors, wool rug hooking, reading and, most of all, her grandchildren.
