A few days ago the Lord God recommended that I do a three-day fast from meals. When I asked him what he would suggest I drink, he casually suggested milkshake. Being a lover of ice cream, my attitude toward this fast changed instantly. But the idea of having milkshake during a fast seemed somewhat like cheating. Isn't a fast supposed to be about doing penance, perhaps to convince God of our worthiness to receive? That's generally our attitude when we embark on a fast, but I now know that it's the wrong attitude.
Fasting should be done, not as a means of deprivation, but for the purpose of conserving energy that otherwise would be used to prepare, chew and digest food. That energy is instead channeled and redirected toward the goal of the fast, and gives power to our prayers in support of that goal. If you have a favorite drink, preferably one with all natural ingredients, use it during the fast in order to elevate your mood. Manifestation requires positive spiritual energy. Thus, our attitude during the fast should be joyful and expectant. In the first century, the Israelites embarked on their fasts with an attitude similar to our general attitude. Jesus told them in Matthew 6 to put oil on their heads and be "normal" during the fast. We should not be trying to prove to others how righteous we are but instead, we should be focused on God and on drawing closer to him. A fast is most effective when done prayerfully. Thus, set aside time during each 24-hour period when you will be devoted to prayer. If you have not achieved your goal by the end of the fast, consider extending it for a few more days until the goal is achieved. If you have never embarked on a fast or you have health concerns, you should consult with a physician prior to commencing a fast.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
December 2020
Categories
|