In the beginning…
God provided all we would need to feast in the very first garden.
“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat.”
Genesis 2:16,17
Thus, we find reason to fast.
We are given the most generous gift of free will. It is our choice to know and to love God. He is continually inviting us into a closer and more intimate relationship with Him, and it is our decision to accept that invitation. Like in any good relationship, there is always sacrifice.
Fasting is a powerful form of sacrifice.
Nowadays, we fast as a regular way of keeping healthy. We fast before blood tests. We stay away from foods which our bodies do not process well. Some of us fast for the purpose of a physically cleanse. We learn about allergies by abstaining from certain foods. In fact, we break our fast every morning with our first meal of the day. It is a part of our dietary health regimen.
In biblical times fasting was a common means of securing enough food during challenging times of famine. But it was in their relationship with God where they discovered the power of communal effort in fasting. Through the profits of the age, they learned what was expected of them to ensure God’s loving protection and sovereignty. People of God were called to fast for purification, for preparation or when seeking divine guidance. These faithful examples provide a model for us today.
Fasting may often be thought of as a religious practice, but perhaps we might view it as a more profound way to know God. It can be as simple as a second grader choosing to go a bit hungry one day as he gives half his lunch to a less fortunate classmate. He knows it is a good thing to do. He gets no immediate reward and his act of compassion may even go unnoticed.
Although fasting may not be very popular among non-churchgoers, those of us who engage in God’s precepts better understand what He is asking of us. Could it be one way to give back to God in gratitude for all He has given us?
When we fast with a sincere heart, we empty ourselves of something we enjoy. This self-sacrifice leaves a void, a hunger, which we ask God to fill. It is in our longing that we find His Grace. When combined with humility and prayer, all our senses become keenly aware of His presence. We become confident in His response as we remove distractions. Most importantly, we are mindful of His ultimate sacrifice offered for us 2000 years ago. Our relationship with God will supernaturally deepen.
We have the option to fast at any time. When we join self-denial with heartfelt prayer, it becomes a very effective way to get God’s undivided attention on a seemingly hopeless situation. Perhaps there is something we can do when we are feeling helpless! Imagine, cooperating with the Maker of Miracles!
It is a blessing to want to be closer to our Lord yet sometimes we need to ask for that desire. Discover the ways to fast for Godly reasons and learn virtues like discipline and self-control. We will decrease as we allow Him to increase. It is a holy transformation.
Lord, we cannot do this without you
because it is all about you!
Prepare for the Feast of Easter Sunday
We are approaching the liturgical season of Lent. It is an invitation to symbolically enter 40 days of preparation in the desert and join communally with our brothers and sisters all over the world. God sees and blesses this public and universal effort, although it can be extremely secretive and personal. (Matthew 6:18) Lent is a time to venture outside the walls of our own needs and desires and offer them up for the good of another.
Imagine the angels and saints cheering us on as we strive for holy transformation!
Let us look forward to Easter in appreciation for all it is meant to be…
A Glorious taste of the Eternal Heavenly Feast prepared with love
From the beginning.
Blessings to all…
Until our next walk through the garden…
Yorumlar