Comments on: we have winners! (and a deep question)

By: Gabe Taviano

Gabe Taviano — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:09:18 +0000

I’ve fasted once in my life (last year). For the 40 days before remembering the cross I drank only water. That was the hardest thing I could think of, and there were countless times when my mind immediately went to the cross and the suffering that required.

The physical part of it became easier after a few weeks, but fasting is much more mental than physical when the object of the fast (water for me) served as a gentle reminder pretty frequently. I’m certain that time and those moments remembering brought my life closer to the path God has for me. That alone was worth it.

Fasting isn’t something I could have (seriously) attempted 10 years ago. My mind and soul weren’t ready for it. I would discourage it from being something people “just try”.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:10:50 +0000

FYI: I left you some linky love on my blog today

By: Tiffani

Tiffani — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:02:35 +0000

i just posted at Gretch’s too…

to me, fasting is so very personal…I think you can fast one day a week, one meal for one week, the Daniel fast..I think there are several choices without feeling overwhelmed by what fasting is b/c it can be so overwhelming, the idea of it, that it discourages us from fasting a meal, or for day or the third Friday of the month..whatever!

But i do think amazing clarity and intimacy can come from doing it…

looks like some great ministries up there!

By: Amber

Amber — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:58:15 +0000

I was just over at Gretchen’s place commenting on her fasting post….and I told her that fasting scares the bajeebies out of me. And it is SO easy for me to just avoid the discussion because it really does terrify me. I don’t like to be uncomfy…and that is all fasting signals to me: UNCOMFORTABLE in flashing neon. All the more reason to dive in and put my big girl britches on, I guess.

xoxoxoxoxo

By: Cassie

Cassie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:32:36 +0000

I must admit, I’m a wimp when it comes to the idea of fasting. However, my very wonderful husband fasted for a week, trying to raise funds for Haiti, right after the earthquake. You can read about it at http://www.philhull.com

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:11:04 +0000

This is so fun to read peoples thoughts. I think the thing to keep in mind for people who can’t fast due to health issues, giving something up can be a fast as well. Not watching TV, not drinking that diet coke…(gasp I know), and the idea especially when you’re so hungry is the hunger reminds you to pray. When we fasted and I was overcome with hunger, i would immediately start praying for all the people who came to mind and have open conversation with our Father about it.

All I’m saying is it shouldn’t be feared! Love the conversation! I’ll keep reading.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:04:16 +0000

fasting -eek! for many years i attended a church that held required fast times. it left a bad taste in my mouth. however my aunt and her married daughters have been having a “family fast” the past week that made me rethink it. there are days they fast completely (only water) and other days they fast at certain times. i think there is a family bible study going along with it. this doesn’t seems so rigorous, nor so compulsary. more voluntary. not sure if i can get over my past to do it in the right spirit.

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:13:40 +0000

AHH! I NEVER win anything!! I am so THRILLED!

What a huge blessing. In Uganda, Katie, founder of Amazima, can feed 3 children for the cost of a postage stamp, so you can imagine what $20 will do! Praise the Lord!

By: Stephanie your sister

Stephanie your sister — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:47:11 +0000

I always did the 30 Hr Famine throughout high school, but I think that was more of a social thing than a “fasting to focus more on God” thing. Our church has done it a few times as a body when we’re praying about a specific issue, but it’s not for a long period of time or anything. One time we had everyone fast during the day and then come together for dinner and prayer time together. However, I was in my first trimester at the time and couldn’t fast because it made me super nauseous and dizzy. I still came for the prayer time though. I think fasting can be an awesome thing (especially for those of us who can become obsessed with food) as long as you feel a conviction to do it and your heart is in the right place.

By: Gretchen

Gretchen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:26:59 +0000

So far, being really honest, I’ve only fasted through a meal or 2. Excited to see how God will combat some of my near-hoardish nature regarding food. I know some of it is because I grew up poor. Ironic, b/c those are often the folks for which God has us fasting.