Challenges & Conversations (02/02/16)

Fasting.  There is nothing "fast" about it.  Time drags on slowly.  You will think there are 36 hours in a day!  The most important thing you can do for your fasting regimen is to make early, thorough preparation.  Such preparation is not only spiritual but also mental, social and physical.  It is the lack of the last three forms of preparation that cause us difficulty. 

• Physical preparation.  Get as physically fit as you can.  Make sure you're taking your vitamins. Eat for nutrition, not taste.  Learn how to "ease into" a fast by limiting meal portions and gradually eliminating addictive substances such as caffeine, sugar and salt.  It is a good idea to consult your physician.
• Mental preparation.  Your motto will be "I'm not going to die and I'm not going to quit early!" Don't dread the fast.  Anticipate it.
• Social preparation.  Tell your spouse and any older children.  It won't take them long to find out anyway. This is your way of letting them know you're not trying to avoid them, but that you will take meal times for prayer.  Look on your calendar and think through where the "sticky points" will be.  For instance, if you know your church will be having a potluck dinner and you normally attend, you might have to come up with a way to explain your absence without advertising your fast.
• Spiritual preparation.  Pray against temptation.  Pray for protection.  Pray against pride.  Pray for breakthrough.  Pray that you will do more than not eat.  Pray that you will hear God's voice and do His will.  Schedule one hour of prayer each night.