How can I fast

[Guest Thomas I believe]

Nebula, I think that fasting is a personal thing between you and the Lord. Ask him what sacrifice you should make. I agree with others here to, fasting can be almost anything, and I agree with Father Chuck seeking God in prayer and meditation during any fast is most important otherwise why bother. God does not give us rewards for going without food or candy bars etc. The reward comes in a deeper understanding of Gods will for us, a new knowledge of His truth, revelation through His word and a new closeness to our Lord. I have fasted a few times and each one has been differant. To give up food when medically you can't would not be a wise choice. So pray and decide what you can give up for God during your fasting periods. He will reveal the answer.

In His Peace, Michael

[irishcowboy]

I've been struggling with this one.

I'm hypoglycemic - so going without food is a very bad thing.

I've heard of going on partial fasts - but what can I partial out?

I don't eat desserts (b/c of hypoglycemia).

I very, very, very rarely ever eat fried foods.

I don't eat red meat except maybe 2 or 3 times a month.

I prefer whole grains to white wheat products.

Besides hypoglycemia, I have a low sodium level and a low iron level.

I also have an autoimmune disease that leaves me very, very thirsty all the time.

Then there's the rheumatoid arthritic condition.

So, I have to do a balancing act with my diet, or I don't do too good.

I've discovered that I function better with a regular intake of chicken.

I do lousy without carbohydrates in my diet (blood sugar level drops substantially).

Sigh.

So, any ideas? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I also, am Hypo.....

fasting does not have to be of food........

when we fast, we are giving up things to spend more time with God.....

if a person wishes to do food, but can not do without for an extended period of time, they might fast a single meal...... or they might fast solid foods and only intake water and fruit and vegi juice for the sugar/nutrients that are needed....

a person can fast meats and stick with fruit and vegies, some might even fast caffine.. or candies/sugars....... there are different ways to fast......

when a person fast, they are not doing it to show off, or to self sacrafice, but to spend more time, uninterupted time with the Lord..... if a person goes on a fast, but does not change what they are doing, but just go with out food, the purpose is defeated.... this is a time to be in communion with God..... communion, commune, communicate, talk with, build relationship, get close to, seek after, desire more of, ... ... ... ... ... ...

hope that this helps....

mike

[nebula]

Thanks for the words, everyone!

[Guest jdr14]

Hello to you Nebula may the dear LORD bless you mightly this very moment in the name of Our Dear Lord Jesus Christ.

You mentioned that you have certain medical problems which I appreciate because I have experienced similar problems myself, but before I go on, please may I ask you the reason why you would like to fast . Please what is the real reason for your intended

fast?

sincerely jdr14

[tsth]

Fast- to go without

so go without something you love.

You wouldn't want to put yourself in danger. So you could fast from the computer. Spend that time in prayer and worship rather than on the computer.

Or phone time.

If you talk alot, give that up.

You can also fast your time.

Rather than doing something fun and for yourself, go volunteer, go to a soup kitchen or something. do something that would deny you of that thing, so that you can focus on God.

There is also a liquid fast. Is there any way that you can get the same nutrients and vitamins and stuff that you would need with the hypoglocemia, but in liquid forms? Protein shakes, and V8 Splash or anything like that. That way you could still go without food, but the liquid would sustain you with what you need so your body doesn't crash.

Also, you could try eating, but eating just enough to tie over your health stuff. Don't stuff yourself, just eat tiny portions so that you don't get sick.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The above is the core of the matter. It's not particularly about food. It is about denying yourself in something, as HH mentioned above. I think she hit it on the head.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Matthitjah]

Neb,

I really believe that it is about denying your flesh some pleasure. Now think about all the pleasures of the flesh?

I believe when our flesh is denied our mind will be on matters Spiritual.

Check out the Word;

Da

[Can Do (Phil 4:13)]

Fast- to go without

so go without something you love.

You wouldn't want to put yourself in danger. So you could fast from the computer. Spend that time in prayer and worship rather than on the computer.

Or phone time.

If you talk alot, give that up.

You can also fast your time.

Rather than doing something fun and for yourself, go volunteer, go to a soup kitchen or something. do something that would deny you of that thing, so that you can focus on God.

There is also a liquid fast. Is there any way that you can get the same nutrients and vitamins and stuff that you would need with the hypoglocemia, but in liquid forms? Protein shakes, and V8 Splash or anything like that. That way you could still go without food, but the liquid would sustain you with what you need so your body doesn't crash.

Also, you could try eating, but eating just enough to tie over your health stuff. Don't stuff yourself, just eat tiny portions so that you don't get sick.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nebs, I suffer very simularly to you and I think our Little Bethy has hit the nail on the head with her reply I've been wondering about fasting too, so I am really glad I found this. You guys are ROCKIN!!

Love

YSIC

Faithie

[nebula]

I'm curious as to why you would believe that God requires suffering or denying yourself pleasure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hoo-boy - I'm too swamped with school right now. . . .

Someone want to do me the honors?

[Guest shiloh357]

I'm curious as to why you would believe that God requires suffering or denying yourself pleasure. The kingdom of God is within. Is there any pleasure in the kingdom....or would you say it is all suffering and denying...to please God?

Here is what one expert has to say about fasting.....

Fasting is a powerful and effective tool in a comprehensive program designed to promote the restoration and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Fasting can help people get on (or back on) track to healthful living.

[keslc]

Nebula,

I am also hypogylcemic (sp??). In the past, I have given up something I really like for a period to pray about a situation. Like I gave up Coca cola (a huge splurge of mine) and everytime I started thinking of coke, I would make myself pray about the certain situation. When that situation resolved, I gave thanks and started drinking a little coke again. I can't drink too much of course because of my blood sugar. That is one way I handled it. Beth, as others have said, really gave some good words in her post!