I haven’t put pen to paper for a long while. It feels very strange trying to put my thoughts down into something resembling… well, a rational thought.
My trying to relaunch my blog also happens to coincide with my attempt at fasting. Which may or may not sound very odd coming from a Christian but there we are. I didn’t actually realize that I didn’t know how to fast.
It sounds simple, doesn’t it?
According to AI fasting is a spiritual practice where individuals abstain from food. They sometimes also abstain from drink for a specific period. This is typically for spiritual or religious reasons. The main goal is to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and deepen one’s faith. It can be a way to humble oneself, mourn, or focus on prayer and spiritual growth
I’ve never thought to understand what fasting meant before. In almost four decades of existence, I’ve never done it properly. I’ve heard of fasting. I know of fasting in a very clinical way. I have even claimed to fast a little from time to time. Not once have I actually put thought behind what fasting means.
So, I actually started fasting yesterday but it was a bit of a flop. A flop and a wake up call. It actually physically hit me that I don’t know what I’m doing. I sent my mum a text to ask if I was allowed to drink tea whilst fasting (trick to stave off the hunger). She gave me a quick reply elaborating on what fasting is.
I felt so silly. I also felt like a child discovering something new and exciting!
As a Christian, I’ve always felt like most of what I do is for the Lord. Prayer isn’t called prayer, its called a conversation – but even that sometimes needs to be more than chatting with my good friend, Jesus.
With just one short voice message from my mum, I was able to identify that as a Christian, its not just about claiming to be a follower of Christ. We have to be intentional. Our actions define us, not just our words.
Again. Simple, right?
I think we get so caught up in what is meant to be simple and straightforward that we end up making it complicated or routine. What we do has to be intentional or otherwise, why are we doing it?
That was my question.
Why am I fasting?
What do I want or need of this time?
My first thought was: I want to get closer to God. I want to hear His voice.
So how will I accomplish that?
Read the Bible. Meditate on His Word. Journal. Go for a walk and get rid of all distractions.
Well, then my fasting didn’t start well and I can admit that. First thing, I didn’t even realize why I was fasting. Then I ate something out of habit, because I wasn’t thinking or being intentional. I got on with my day like it was any other. Worked, chatted, played on my phone. Didn’t do anything intentional to spend time with God. Even my prayers lacked commitment and purpose.
It’s not just fasting. Its my life, my relationships, my work. I got comfortable and forgot how to be intentional. I stopped making an effort and just followed the route of every day. Worse, sometimes we focus on the negative and let all the joy and blessings pass us by.
JOHN 10:10 NIV- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Jesus did come to give us an abundant life, filled with joy, purpose, and love, but sometimes we forget that we have the free will to step into what our lives could be. It is essential to recognize that this life of abundance requires our active participation and willingness to embrace the opportunities set before us. By tapping into our inner strength and faith, we can align our choices with our greater purpose, exploring paths that lead to fulfillment and deeper connections with others. Every decision, no matter how small, can contribute to a brighter future and a more meaningful existence, allowing us to truly experience the richness of life as intended.
So what do you say? Want to be intentional?
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