Monday, January 16, 2012

Encouragement for Fasting

A word of encouragement to my Christian sisters and brothers, especially my CHC family.

When you start a running program, you feel like you're going to die and you wonder why you ever thought it would be a good idea to start running. Your heart feels like it will beat its way out of your chest, your lungs would scream at you if they could get enough air, and your joints creak their protest with every bone jarring pound from your feet meeting the pavement. BUT! But, but, but--if you push through, if you endure the pain, if you psych yourself up each morning to wake up and get running, then you reach a point where it is fun! You reach a point where once you push past that first mile of each run, you feel exhilarated and you think you could run that 10k no problem! You're still exerting yourself, you're still dog tired when you get home, but you're grinning ear to ear from the joy of it.

Fasting is like running. When you start, you feel like you're going to die. When normally you might forget to eat breakfast, on the day you start fasting you're somehow hungry before you wake up. Your stomach tells your brain there is no food and your brain protests by squeezing your head with a monster head ache. You're cold, tired, and cranky. BUT! But, but, but--if you push through, if you endure the pain, if you pray yourself up each morning and night, I promise you that you reach a point where it is fun! It is still hard, like running. It still requires effort. But, like running, once you push through that wall, there is nothing like it!

So, when you are called to a fast, be encouraged! I won't say, "You can do it!" because YOU can't. But that's the point of fasting, isn't it? Realizing our dependence on Jesus. It's a fun place it be! Honest! You'll be grinning ear to ear. :o)

(As always, I welcome questions or comments. Feel free to post below or send me a message!)