Years ago, Loraine and I shared a wall. She and her newlywed-hubby lived on one side of the wall, and me and my newlywed-hubby lived on the other side of the wall.
Loraine’s the kind of friend that calls my cell in the middle of the day, and with two short words she prompts me to cheer aloud and dole out imaginary high-fives. That’s friendship: comfort, laughter, and imaginary high-fives.
We’ve talked about many ways to take the focus off ourselves and serve others, but we’ve never talked about fasting. It’s just like Loraine to bring up a new topic like that.
Today I share with you a girl who has shared much with me.
Here’s Loraine:
Fasting. I hate fasting. As soon as I hear the word I feel guilty and hungry at the same time.
I know it's Biblical, but it's hard, and I like food a lot. I participated in the obligatory youth group 30 hour famine to raise money for the starving in Africa, but I just don't like it.
Today, however, I am fasting. Why? Because a young friend of ours is in a lot of trouble. He did something stupid, really stupid and right now he is in court. He deserves to be punished but it will impact his life for years to come, if not forever. So today I am fasting and asking God to show His grace and mercy; not because this guy deserves either (who of us does, really?), but because I don't want this to wreck his life.
I am not fasting because I think God is a genie in a bottle or that my fasting will make Him work in my favor. I wouldn't want to serve a God like that anyway. I am fasting to show Him that I am just plain serious about this request. Whether He honors it or not is irrelevant. I think for the first time in my life, fasting might be starting to make sense to me.
My son just offered me the rest of his mac and cheese and the hungry part of me really wants to eat it. But I won't, the stakes are too high.
: : : : :
Questions for you: What are your thoughts on fasting? Describe your fasting experiences good or bad.
Good stuff, yes? Thanks Loraine for Sharing Your Story. Watch for this girl, her new blog will be up in a month.
Do you have a serving related experience that left you changed? Click here for details on sharing.
I know it's Biblical, but it's hard, and I like food a lot. I participated in the obligatory youth group 30 hour famine to raise money for the starving in Africa, but I just don't like it.
Today, however, I am fasting. Why? Because a young friend of ours is in a lot of trouble. He did something stupid, really stupid and right now he is in court. He deserves to be punished but it will impact his life for years to come, if not forever. So today I am fasting and asking God to show His grace and mercy; not because this guy deserves either (who of us does, really?), but because I don't want this to wreck his life.
I am not fasting because I think God is a genie in a bottle or that my fasting will make Him work in my favor. I wouldn't want to serve a God like that anyway. I am fasting to show Him that I am just plain serious about this request. Whether He honors it or not is irrelevant. I think for the first time in my life, fasting might be starting to make sense to me.
My son just offered me the rest of his mac and cheese and the hungry part of me really wants to eat it. But I won't, the stakes are too high.
: : : : :
Questions for you: What are your thoughts on fasting? Describe your fasting experiences good or bad.
Good stuff, yes? Thanks Loraine for Sharing Your Story. Watch for this girl, her new blog will be up in a month.
Do you have a serving related experience that left you changed? Click here for details on sharing.
22 comments:
I hate fasting too, Amy. I get grumpy when I'm hungry and it's not pretty. But I've done it. And it has changed me. I have also fasted things other than food. Things that are seeminlgy more important to me and more difficult to give up. But I agree that we show just how serious we are. It is not to be taken lightly, right?
I hate fasting too, but every time I've done it amazing things have happened. Not sure why I am not so disciplined more often. I like what you said about it - that it shows God you're serious about the matter, and whether He honors it or not is irrelevant - so true. It's that very attitude that gets His attention and cause Him to move on our behalf.
Good for you in doing something that you dislike for the benefit of another. My prayers are with the young man.
I have not fasted in years--not sure why not. My body does not seem to notice if I miss a meal or two so it did not have that much of an impact on me personally.
Amy, I hate fasting too. My sis will be, (with a joyful tone in her voice)"Let's fast on that!" I hate it, but I must say when I have done it, especially in a situation something such as what you are fasting about for today it made a HUGE difference, the Lord intervened. If I wouldn't have what would have happened? It's important, but I hate it too.
Marlece,
Agreed! I know that fasting is something I need to do more of, and actually, I wonder why I don't think of it more.
I'm glad Loraine wrote about it today.
Gaby,
I like the idea of fasting on things other than food. Along those same lines, I remember being in second grade at Catholic school, and trying to decide what to give up for lent. I decided Scooby Doo, but then I just couldn't pull it off!
Well, Lorraine, when your blog is up and running, please know that you are so welcome to join us at Soli Deo Gloria. There is a chair for you...
And thoughts about fasting. Recently, I fasted for 2 weeks from alcohol because we so desperately needed rain. On my run one morning, desperate for a break from the heat and dryness, I told God I would be willing to fast, that I wanted to fast, until rain came.
What would be something I could give up for an unknown amount of time, something I looked forward to, but that wouldn't negatively impact my health if I was in this for a really long haul? And so God asked me, "What about that nightly glass (or 2) of wine? And I said, "okay."
What I love about this post and what perhaps I don't think was really cemented until now after reading this, is that I did it to show that I was serious. That I was willing to give up part of my day/routine/sanity to show Him how important this was to me.
Thank you for giving me some more clarity!
It's so great to see you here, Lorraine! I feel like I know you already from the wonderful things I've heard about you from Amy :) This is a great topic, and one I shy away from. I grew up with parents who regularly fasted, but it never really became a practice for me. Part of the struggle for me is physical. Having children, I have to be careful. For example, I once drove into oncoming traffic when my blood sugar was too low, so it scares me to fast. But, then other times I feel like I'm using that for an excuse. So, this is a struggle for me for sure and something I need to give more thought to.
So, is blogging in your future? I do hope so. You would love it! It has been so much better than I thought it would be. Just a thought :)
i hate fasting too. and then i feel guilty for even saying that.
what is it about depriving ourselves of something that makes our hackles rise? it doesn't just have to be food. internet or television, texting or reading, movies or even chocolate.
we are selfish people. we don't like to give things up. but this thing of growling stomach and wish for taste...is that not what God does for us? He craves us, our prayers and our presence.
what a precious reminder.
I am one of those weird people who loves fasting....only because I have learned over the years how AWESOME it is, not only for my body, but for my soul, my mind....everything. Whenever I am feeling anxious or crazy inside, I fast and rest and look to the Lord, and peace is always found!!
What good comments. The outcome of my fast was not as I had hoped, but somehow I think God had other stuff to teach me on this one.
Thank to those of you who read this and shared. You gave me some things to think about and incorporate: fasting things other than food, and for the long haul if need be (thanks Jen!). I am encouraged by those of you who know the positive outcomes of fasting. Even if our prayer/request/petition is not answered as we had hoped, fasting/praying always changes us. Ahh...to be rid of selfishness and to just get this. Alice-- I think I need to hang out with you.
What a great place, thanks for welcoming me. :)
I think fasting is amazing. I have never done it though because I am anemic and need to eat things with iron and such on a regular basis. I get too many dizzy spells as it is. I know my mom has been fasting for YEARS while praying for certain things that pull at her heart as she cries out to God through the situation. I always admired it and feel really horrible for never doing it. Maybe I should fast about fasting?
A year or so ago, I fasted every Monday for my husband, for his chronic pain. When I kicked it off, I started a three day fast. But that awakened some long-dormant eating disorder power-high, so I haven't done that again. I can do one day and be okay, so I stick with that. Or, now I'll fast other things, like TV and social media, when I need to get serious with God.
I have fasted...and it has been an amazing experience. Other times I was left feeling a little unsure - what did it accomplish? Did I have the right motives? But I know that even in those times there was a reason. A growth. A blessing (even if I didn't see it right away, and even if the outcome wasn't what I was hoping).
I absolutely love this post. Fasting is not fun at all, but it surely does help me focus in prayer. I am so thankful for those who have fasted and prayed for me when, if they hadn't, there's no telling where I'd be today.
Hi Amy,
It has been years, but those times that I fasted were profound and had very little to do with food and a lot to do with Him.
xoxo michele
What a great honest post about fasting. I haven't fasted in a loooong time and I really enjoyed reading this.
I am not a faster either, but I can tell you if I needed encouragement to fast, I would call Loraine! I sure hope to meet you one day Amy!
I actually like to fast, though "like" seems a weird word to use. Maybe it's the RESULT of fasting that I like ... that sense of being as co-worker with God in some way. Every time my tummy growls, I am reminded of two things:
He is Creator.
I am creature.
Great post, Amy. I love how you build community and foster conversation in this place.
Me too... I love to eat! I love the way you described it as a way of showing how serious we are in our requests. When I have fasted in the past I used the hunger pangs to remind me to pray and of my own need for Him. I hope your prayers are answered Amy! Blessings!
I hate fasting, too! I just had to do it for my physical and it's torture waiting around with your stomach growling. Wonderful post!
Carrie,
I agree, it is a wonderful post. Thanks, Loraine for hanging out at my place for a bit. Love you, girl.
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