Do you long to be really 'good' at fasting? To be 'successful' at fasting? We've already seen that the beauty of a fast is that any attempt we make to 'draw near' to God - He eagerly and beyond measure returns. When we fast, we ARE successful! And yet, sometimes the details of a fast pop up and interpose themselves between our thoughts of the closeness we are having with Jesus.
When it comes to the physicality of your chosen fast, always be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a total fast (typically defined as a water-only fast with clear liquids used periodically).
Here is a 'starter' list of questions:
-Will I lose too much weight if I do a total fast? Probably not - the body is designed to reach a set point after a certain amount of weight loss. You will likely hit a plateau and then regain the weight upon conclusion of the fast.
-Is a total fast the only kind of fast that 'counts'? Nope.
-What if I get a headache? This is probably a sign you are detoxing and need more water. Drink up!
-Does just heading to bed 'count' during a fast? Oh yes, this DOES count! God designed our bodies to know what they need. Sometimes it IS best just to go to bed. This is also a great opportunity to practice praise. Remember, Psalm 63:6 (NASB) says:
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches...
-My legs ache - but I don't want to break my total fast? Ah, I have been there! Take a warm bath with at least 2 cups of Epsom Salts and soak for at least 20 minutes. That should do the trick. Repeat as needed.
But - let's remember. We cannot fail at fasting. We long to come close to God and He bounds right over to us! So let's give ourselves a break from the questions for now and focus on the beauty of Jesus through praise.
Dear Jesus, I praise You for this opportunity to experience spiritual as well as mental and even physical closeness with You. I praise You for the picture You've provided in Jeremiah 30:8-22 of how You draw us to Yourself. Praise the name of the Lord!
Jeremiah 30:8-22 (KJV)
8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
9 But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
11 For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished...
17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
18 Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.
19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.
20 Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.
21 And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord.
22 And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Dear Jesus, I praise You for this opportunity to experience spiritual as well as mental and even physical closeness with You. I praise You for the picture You've provided in Jeremiah 30:8-22 of how You draw us to Yourself. Praise the name of the Lord!
Jeremiah 30:8-22 (KJV)
8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
9 But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
11 For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished...
17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
18 Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.
19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.
20 Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.
21 And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord.
22 And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
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