Whatever

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).

There are many and varied ways to fast.  We certainly do not want to fall into legalism in our pursuit of God.  We pursue God because of His Great Grace in pursuing us first.   We fast and pray because it is commanded in scripture.  We must fast and pray in some way.  But whatever way you do it, do it from a heart of love for who He is and what He has done.  If you have not read the FreeTruth posts on fasting I encourage you to do so for inspiration and a correct understanding of fasting.

So, how does a woman fast?   You may be someone who is taking medication and that medication must be taken with food.  You may have hypoglycemia, or diabetes and you need to eat at regular intervals.  You may have a job that is physically strenuous (like caring for children) and therefore, you need to be fueled for your work.

May I offer a suggestion?  If you find yourself in a category where fasting from food is physically impossible, fast from something else.  Find one thing that you can do without for the next two days.  I'd even suggest (only a suggestion) that it be something you really, really, really enjoy.  That way, when you are "hungering" to do that thing, you can experience the privilege of crying out to God to satisfy your hunger with Himself.  It may be music in the car while you are driving.  Instead of turning on the music, you can use that drive time for worship filled prayer.

A couple of tips for the stay at home mom.  Susannah Wesley had 19 children.  When she needed to be in God's presence in the midst of her busy days (without electric appliances) she would lift her long apron over her head and kneel right where she was.  Her children knew their momma needed God at that moment and they knew they'd better not get in the way.  At a very young age children learn what is going on.  We explain many things to children and they understand.  For some reason we think they cannot understand the concept of "being still" for 10 minutes while mommy prays to God.  They can learn to respect mommy's need for God by looking at a book, doing a puzzle or enjoying a healthy snack.  I know a young mom who taught her 2 year old to have her "God time" with Bible and notebook and crayon (for taking notes) while her Mommy had "God time".

Another suggestion is to set the clock for 1/2 hour earlier, or withdraw to your room 1/2 hour earlier in the evening.  And turn a blind eye toward the dust on the furniture that you are certain to see when you sit down to read and pray.

Now, if you are preparing for a complete fast from food, may I suggest you prepare your body for it?  It is too late to do this for MOG, but you can fast anytime.   I wanted to be caffeine free for this fast.  I've tried to go "cold turkey" in the past but quickly gave up from the headache. This time a friend advised me to wean myself off the caffeine and food.  And it worked!!  I'm very excited about this, and very thankful. 

Ladies, there are people in our church who do extended fasting.  I was stunned by this when I first heard of it.  If any of you want to know more about how to prepare for a fast, or do an extended fast, ask me and I'll give you their names.  They have been a help to me.  

Whatever you do, do it for the right reasons:  out of a heart of love, and a hunger for more of God.  

I'd love to hear of how the Lord is leading and teaching and filling you in this spiritual exercise.