Can God Really Help You?

Over the past years a wide variety of different diets have come on to the market and some of these suggest a period of fasting, or detoxification, as it is often put. It is claimed that this helps to clear the toxins from your body and give your digestive system a rest. There is some truth in these claims, although the short time of fasting does very little long term good, the reality is that the severe lack of calories kick starts the diet. This results in an almost instant weight loss, which the more experienced dieters among us know is merely water loss, which goes straight back on as soon as we eat normally again.  However, fasting for the right reasons is biblical.
     
Fasting is a way to get serious with God. An early example of fasting in the bible is found in 2 Chronicles 20:3. The King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, was told that a vast army was coming against him. He was alarmed (as you would be) and decided to turn to God, he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. Why did he do this? He needed to get serious with God! The people went without food for a certain amount of time, freeing themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating. This gave them time to think about their lives and pray to God, asking for help. God heard their prayers and fought the battle for them. The people of Judah suffered no loss of life; they merely had to carry off the plunder.

One of the most extreme examples of fasting in the Bible was undertaken by Jesus. After he was baptised, but before he began his ministry, Jesus went into the desert and fasted for forty days and forty nights. Then the Devil came and tempted him, but he resisted. This prepared him for his future ministry.

In the above examples, fasting was undertaken for the following reasons:

• Spiritual preparation for what lay ahead.
• Putting God first.
• Acknowledging dependence upon God.
• Reminding themselves of their weaknesses.
• Developing self-control.
• Learning to resist temptation.
• To get serious with God!

As you read the above I expect you have already guessed what is coming next! Yes, unfortunately, if you are going to get serious with God about losing weight, you are going to have to fast! Fasting is not easy, believe me I know, but it is necessary if you really want God to help you. It is difficult to explain, but fasting does change something within you. It also gains ground in a spiritual way and opens the door for God to work in the situation and answer prayers.

Today

Within the next 24 hours I would like you to fast one meal. It is better if you just drink water for the duration, but have tea and coffee if you prefer.

Jesus said that we should carry on as normal when fasting, so try not to make a big thing of it with people. If possible just quietly miss one meal. (Don’t lie though, if asked speak the truth) 

Have your next meal at the normal time, but before you prepare or buy it, ask God to help you choose something that you will enjoy.

While you are fasting, whenever you feel hungry, say “Thank you God for sustaining me through your grace”. Also, if possible try to spend some of the time you are fasting in worship, prayer or bible study.

If, for medical reasons you are unable to fast food, think of something else to miss out. If you think hard enough, there will be a sacrifice that you can make somewhere.
     
At the end of the day, when your fast is over, take some time to think over how it felt. Write this down in your journal.