Emergency Parachutes

Fasting is unfamiliar territory to many of our brethren. We know it in terms of the 30-hour famine the youth do each year. We know it from the scripture where Jesus and others fasted. Yet the majority of us haven't done it, nor have we done it for the right reasons.

I was desperate the other week, following the "Hollow Eyes" account. So I decided not to eat and not to go to my friends place or watch cartoons at home. I put music on and committed not to eat anything or be distracted by entertainment or people. I was so committed to the task because of concern for a laps on my watch; again if you haven't read it see "Hollow Eyes". I had not had a great week in terms of connection to God so I needed a fast way to get back on track and it came to mind, "I should fast and pray all day."

While I'm very inexperienced still, I will say that I've never experienced something like that before. All day pacing and praying and singing songs to God. Listening to Christian music and chatting with my Lord. I barely even left my bedroom the whole day. When it should have been boring I was content. When I should have been hungry I was content. When had every reason to be scared for the immanent future I was content. I can't explain how fasting works, but I can attest to it's use. Seeking intimacy with God is only right, but it can take time in normal circumstances. However, when you remove the distractions of food, people, entertainment, and other personal desires all that is left to think on is God and you, that relationship.

Needless to say I was quite ready for the next morning in Sunday school, having not eaten for well over 30 hours. I didn't need to be though as it all went quite smoothly, but still I learned something special that weekend. If you'll do it and if you can do it I recommend doing it wholly, not in part. A fast that is only partial is missing the true power of the fast itself.