Christian Living

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The Power In Fasting
Fasting is the practice of voluntarily going without food. It can also be undertaken as a religious observance, a sign of mourning, political protest (hunger strike), or for slimming purposes. Fasting or the abstinence from certain types of food or beverages is practiced in most religious traditions. It is seen as an act of self-discipline that increases spiritual awareness by lessening dependence on the material aspect of the world. Fasting has also frequently been resorted to as means of securing political ends; for example suffragist movements claiming a right to vote. Also persons in prison throughout the world going on hunger strikes for various reasons to gain what they believe are their civic rights.

From a medical stand point; prolonged fasting can be dangerous to ones health. A study shows that the liver breaks up its fat stores, releasing harmful by-products called ketones, which results in a condition called ketosis, which develops within three days. An early symptom is a smell of pear drops on the breath. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, severe depression, and irritability. Eventually the muscles and other body tissues become wasted and death results.

The human body cannot survive without food or water for longer than eight days, but it is possible to sustain life on water alone for 30 or 40 days or even longer. Emaciation, (to become abnormally thin) and a lowering of body temperature are invariable accompaniments of starvation. Wasting occurs first in the fatty tissues and later in the muscles. The wasting process takes place less rapidly when the body is kept warm and exertion is limited to a minimum. The instant craving for food is diminished after the first few days and is succeeded by a sluggish state.

From a Christians point of view fasting is one of the most powerful aspects of being a Christian, for it brings us closer in oneness with God. This can be seen as Jesus the Son of God, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, spent 40 days an 40 nights fasting and praying to God, cleansing his mind soul and body from all worldly impurities. Fasting also strengthens ones faith in God. One of the greatest powers shown through fasting and prayer is seen in the book of Matthew chapter 17 verses 20-21, where the disciples did not have the faith or the miracle healing power to cure the lunatic. “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if you have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth out but by prayer and fasting.” This level of power one can only possess through prayer and fasting.

In the Christian religion, fasting has been misinterpreted in many different ways and for the wrong reasons as seen in the book of Isaiah chapter 58 verses 4-5. “ Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” As one continues to read the continuing verses 6-7 in the said chapter, it shows the fast that God has chosen for us. “ Is it not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out of thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Following these guidelines in fasting, along with others in the said chapter, God promise to hear and answer our cry.

Having viewed the negative effects of fasting from a medical perspective if not done properly to the body, one can see that this is a perfect method to use for persons who wish to loose weight for free and who may suffer from other ailments in their body. However, the fact that this requires self-discipline, and a sense of spirituality to work properly, many refuse to take up the challenge, even Christians. The world has offered so many dietary supplements and prescription drugs to loose weight, along with weight loss programs, many persons prefer to loose weight through the ways of the world rather than the ways of God.

One of the biggest challenges in human existence is the fact that most people know the answer to their problems, but very few have the confidence and the faith to actually do what it takes to solve the problems in their lives whether themselves or others brought it on. The key is discipline, and the answer is prayer and fasting to solve whatever the problem is. However this combination must be done in faith. God bless you all.

Roderick R. Mckenzie Sr
[email protected]

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