Fasting: a Spiritual Discipline

This experience has proven another level of personal healing.

I have always made excuses, "I cannot fast because of my history of disordered eating" or "It's not good for my hormonal health to fast as I am still healing." As there is truth in these responses, On the other hand, I also felt convicted I was using them as excuses. I was not fully surrendering my healing to God and had self-doubt that I could fast for an extended period of time.

When I was approached by a few friends about the idea of doing a 3-day fast during the season of Lent, I oddly felt a prompting by the Holy Spirit to revisit this touchy subject. I felt ready, my heart was open and desired to accept the challenge. We, as a community, decided to do this fast together for encouragement and accountability; yet, all had our own personal reasons and desire to complete the daunting challenge ahead.

How Fasting is Beneficial for our Health

During this 3-day period of having nothing but water and sea salt (to help absorb the water and stay hydrated), I was fascinated by learning what was happening within my body. I listened to podcasts and different teachings about my body going through ketosis, then autophagy - where my body was actually eating the debris/garbage in my body for energy! My digestion was getting a long overdue break, my vital organs had a chance to recover which led to even more healing. It's amazing to think our bodies were actually designed to sustain themselves without food for extended periods of time . We can look back in history where fasting was a regular practice for many people practicing the Christian faith.

Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline

What struck me the most about this practice is the simple fact of self-denial. I had to deny myself food - the pleasure of enjoying a meal, the comfort of a full stomach and the routine of meal time. However, it brought me to a place of dependence on the Lord for energy, endurance and overcoming the discomforts. It also brought an overwhelming sense of peace, calm, clarity and a closeness to the Father I have never experienced before. As I denied my fleshly desires, I was able to connect deeper with God, have profound times of prayer and intercession while growing my reliance on God.

"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" - Psalm 73: 23-26

Is Fasting for you?

Maybe this story has stirred something deep within you. Maybe you feel the desire to try out fasting for yourself or explore how you can incorporate it in your spiritual walk. Maybe you have similar fears or concerns I did in the beginning. I do believe the Lord convicts, He leads and ultimately will stand with you if you decide to go on this journey of fasting. I would love to support you in any way I can if you decide to try it out. Send a message or leave a comment - I would love to hear about your experience!

Message Jenna