Coporate Fast Begins Today
Before you begin........
By Paula Dickson | January 1, 2011
Before You Begin
Many times, I begin fasting without much forethought or preparation. And in those times, I often receive little more than a throbbing headache and a ravenous appetite. Although I was "disciplining" the physical man, I rarely was disciplining the spiritual man. Thus, fasting seemed of little signifigance, with little power and with very little insight received.
So in order for you not to fail as I did, here are several things to consider before beginning your fast.
1) Why am I fasting?
Although we are fasting together as a body of believers, this is still a VERY PERSONAL commitment and exercise. Be sure you not only agree with the purpose of the corporate fast, but you yourself have a personal goal for your fast.
2) For medical reasons, I am unable to go without food. What should I do?
Not everyone can fast from food, for several reasons, BUT there is always something we can remove from our physical lives in the way of food that can cause os discomfort and we will need discipline to accomplish. Perhaps sugar is your weakness, or caffeine in its many forms. Some find it almost impossible to not go without chocolate. For me I simply adore bread, rice and pasta and they are always hard to set aside.
Although I would encourage you to try to follow the entire fasting guidelines, the entire goal is to put aside our own physical desires and wants and place God's spiritual desires and will in the forefront of our thinking. So whatever you give up, just be faithful in that commitment.
3) What if I make it one or two days and then break the fast? What then?
Just like with all things God calls us to, there is grace in abundance when we fail to meet our own expectations and grace to start again. Purpose to set yourself back on course the next day.
Remember fasting is a discipline and as with all disciplines, it does not come easy or without training.
Finally determine to hear from God on a personal level as well as on a corporate level. It might not be a resolution to your problem or a desire met but simply words that we need to hear from Him. "I am with you," "Do not be afraid," "Peace be still," or "I have called you. I will lead you," are all phrases I have heard at one time or another from God. And although I longed for God to provide me answers or a great vision during a fast, there are often times, He provides the encouragement, or solice, or peace I need need just to make it through the next day, week, month or year.
Get ready to hear from God!
Many times, I begin fasting without much forethought or preparation. And in those times, I often receive little more than a throbbing headache and a ravenous appetite. Although I was "disciplining" the physical man, I rarely was disciplining the spiritual man. Thus, fasting seemed of little signifigance, with little power and with very little insight received.
So in order for you not to fail as I did, here are several things to consider before beginning your fast.
1) Why am I fasting?
Although we are fasting together as a body of believers, this is still a VERY PERSONAL commitment and exercise. Be sure you not only agree with the purpose of the corporate fast, but you yourself have a personal goal for your fast.
2) For medical reasons, I am unable to go without food. What should I do?
Not everyone can fast from food, for several reasons, BUT there is always something we can remove from our physical lives in the way of food that can cause os discomfort and we will need discipline to accomplish. Perhaps sugar is your weakness, or caffeine in its many forms. Some find it almost impossible to not go without chocolate. For me I simply adore bread, rice and pasta and they are always hard to set aside.
Although I would encourage you to try to follow the entire fasting guidelines, the entire goal is to put aside our own physical desires and wants and place God's spiritual desires and will in the forefront of our thinking. So whatever you give up, just be faithful in that commitment.
3) What if I make it one or two days and then break the fast? What then?
Just like with all things God calls us to, there is grace in abundance when we fail to meet our own expectations and grace to start again. Purpose to set yourself back on course the next day.
Remember fasting is a discipline and as with all disciplines, it does not come easy or without training.
Finally determine to hear from God on a personal level as well as on a corporate level. It might not be a resolution to your problem or a desire met but simply words that we need to hear from Him. "I am with you," "Do not be afraid," "Peace be still," or "I have called you. I will lead you," are all phrases I have heard at one time or another from God. And although I longed for God to provide me answers or a great vision during a fast, there are often times, He provides the encouragement, or solice, or peace I need need just to make it through the next day, week, month or year.
Get ready to hear from God!
Back