Fasting

It has been a while since I took the time to fast. I like to let fasting be "God led," but I also know that I can easily ignore God's prompting if I get too busy.  So, last week I had just the tiniest inclination to fast for the day.  There was no real reason, but there were several small things.  After I had decided to spend that particular day fasting, a friend had asked for prayer.  I felt that it was a confirmation.

As I fasted and prayed throughout the day, my hungry tummy reminded me of the One who is the Provider of all!  As I was laying my burdens before Him and resting in His goodness.  I started to think and ponder the idea of prayer and fasting.  One thing I am sure of:  God is NOT a vending machine.  We do NOT input our requests, do a series of good deeds, and then have our desires met.  I know that the bible often talks of our faith being large enough to get what we want, and that we don't have because we do not ask.  (Matthew 17:20 and James 4:2-3) I am just not up for a theological discussion about this tonight, but I feel pretty safe to say that we are sure to get things we ask for when we ask for them with a faith that is aligned to God's will.  (Probably not for our own selfish desires - although, I have seen those prayers answered too...) 

Why fasting, then???  I was talking to God that day about money.  I had to spend some money on clothes for my little guy and I knew it was going to be expensive.  I knew what he needed and I went into the store with a pretty good idea of what that would all cost (if I was very careful).  When I was done, I spent 1/2 of what I thought.  Because I was fasting and praying about it (I know it might seem like a silly thing to pray about, but I believe there is nothing to small for God to care about) I realized that God did that!  God took care of my little problems, so that I can continue to trust Him for the big ones.  If I hadn't been fasting and praying, I would have missed the blessing of seeing His work in my life. 

Other prayers were answered that day and it seems He called me to fast the next day as well.  Once I set my mind and heart to listening to His leading, it seems I hear it much more clearly.  I don't believe that when I fast, God listens more, but I do believe that when I fast, I listen more!  One day, I am sure God will show me so much more about this system He put in place.  Hopefully, I will be listening!