If you want something bad enough, you will do almost anything to get it! Think of something you were desperate to have and consider what you were prepared to do to get it. Did it work?
Sometimes, God likes us to demonstrate how important certain prayers are to us by seeing what we are prepared to do. Fasting demonstrates to God that we mean business about our prayer subject/request, but not only that, but by going without food for a period of time (and I am not talking about skipping a meal!) allows us to control our natural cravings and bring the body under the control of the spirit! Easier said than done!!
When I recently fasted I found that just about the whole day was taken up with food! Everywhere I went, the smell of delicious food was there! If I read a magazine, or watched some tv, there were adverts of gorgeous food to remind me what my body was craving for!
Another benefit is that the time you normally spend in the preparation and eating food is spare time to spend reading God's word and praying to Him. And so the whole fasting experience draws you closer to God. It is not a guarantee that God will answer your prayers the way you want, but you certainly become more aware of God and what He wants you to do! It is not a miracle cure for losing weight either, and if not done properly, can even damage your health.
A few common sense guidelines before fasting:-
1) What is my motive to fast? If it is not primarily to draw closer to God, then you probably am not going to get much out of it.
2) How long should I fast? This is one of those personal questions which vary from situation to situation. If you have never fasted before, I would suggest a 12-hour or 24-hour fast. Once you have managed that a few times, try a 2 or 3-day fast. You will find it an amazing experience!
3) Whatever the outcome, praise God for His drawing near to you.
It may seem that God doesn't answer you in the way you expected, but remember, God will never let you down, because He loves you.
God bless
Pete.
No comments:
Post a Comment