Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 9:14-15
And
Read Mark 2:18-20
And
Read Luke 5:33-35
Fasting is a practice that many followers of Jesus do to help them to focus on God. Different churches and religions have taught various methods and times for fasting.
In these verses, Jesus was being asked why He and His disciples were not observing a prescribed fast set by the Jewish leaders.
What was Jesus' answer to them?
Why should they fast? I am here! The whole purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God.
I had read about fasting through the years but had never met anyone who seriously fasted until I moved to California. There I had several friends who fasted regularly and the church we were a part of had a once-a-year fasting period. What I learned is that some people fast regularly – like once-a-week or once-a-month. Others fast once- or twice-a-year. And others fast only when they feel a need to draw closer to God or need a specific direction from Him.
I also learned that even though I can't abstain from food because of medication that I take – I could still fast. When I wanted to participate with our church during it's time of fasting – I would go on a liquid-only diet instead of solid food.
But probably the most interesting fast that I've participated in was a fast of screen-time. One year our pastor encouraged us to take a 1-week fast from screens. We could use them for work or school, but not for anything else except emergencies.
Some followers of Jesus fast from a particular type of food like meat, or desserts, or bread. And I've found that fasts can be from a few hours to several months – depending on the limitations of the fast.
I have a friend who does a once-a-year silent retreat with a group of her friends. They go to the beach or park where they can find quiet and they spend 8-10 hours in silence and concentrate on Bible study and prayer and listening to God. After that time of silence, they meet together for a time of worship before returning to normal life. That is a fast from “normal activity”.
But I don't think that what you fast from (do without) is as important as what you focus on during that time.
If giving up screens or food makes you just crave more screen time or food, then you've missed the point. If giving up screens or food allows more prayer time, more Bible study and focusing on and listening to God, then the fast has succeeded.
So, let God direct you as to how and when you fast. I pray that it will be a meaningful time for you.
In His service, dale
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