16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
I have decided to fast for three days from sugar and chocolate! If you were a member of my team and really knew me you would know why. I take a banana and dip it in sugar and have at least two bags of chocolate cookies a day. Therefore, I felt compelled to fast from sugar and chocolate. I felt God telling me to fast and really take a look at how much I am really consuming every day. My teammates joke with me that I will become a diabetic by the end of the race and I would just blow it off as a joke. Then I really started to think that, “Hey this could be a possibility”. I could one day become a diabetic because of all the sugar I consume. My father’s friend from collage has been a diabetic for almost his whole life. He could tell me that it has been a struggle for him his whole life.
The power of fasting in general is a big thing, because knowing you can fast from something that you love is a big step in changing for the better good. Fasting is a great thing, and is mentioned in the bible many times, in the Old and New Testament. Prayer can be very powerful by its self. When added to fasting, prayer can be the only thing that keeps you going. Prayer can get you closer to God, for you rely on his strength to get you through the temptations of wanting to break the fast early.
I know I’m capable of fasting for three days. With God’s help and my willpower anything can happen.
