It’s been one week since we started our journey towards Easter, taking 40 days to fast FROM SOMETHING so we can be reminded to pray FOR SOMEONE.
So how’s it going?
I realize this concept of fasting may be new to many of you, and I didn’t want to leave you hanging as we marched together towards Easter. Every now and then, we will interrupt our journey for some Reflection. Your reflection can be internal or you may want to share it with our community.
I am curious. What are the challenges and wins you’ve noticed so far while fasting? Did anyone have difficulty deciding what to give up for your fast?
My guess is you’re not the only one feeling the way you are about this journey, so let’s share and grow together.
Our Prayer: God, let this journey bring us closer to you.
My fast is going well. No real problem with that. I’m actually praying for several people in my life that I hope will come to know Jesus. Sometimes it really feels like an uphill battle. I’m seeking a small group at church for one of them – who is receptive, but the others are really not. Just praying and giving it to God.
Good morning , I just registered and joined . I am giving up rice ( and that includes sushi , one of my all time favorites) , I am Asian and I am sure you know how hard that must be lol. But kidding aside I have been giving up rice for about 5 years now during Lent season and after a lent I find I don’t need to eat rice every day , Thank you Lord and love you
I start out good but cheated and feel the weight of a bad decision
Today is a new day! Just keep going.
Love this 40 day process. I have definitely been more focused on prayer. I like the specific prayers that you have included each day. Thanks Rusty.
Fast is going good. Every time I have a craving I am reminded of the purpose of the sacrifice and the person I am praying for. The process has definitely increased my prayers. Thank you Jesus!! 💕
I gave up coffee 😬 (Starbucks keeps calling:) and feel the effects of withdrawl-tired/sluggish. But I’m praying for the people of Ukraine so anything I’m feeling is nothing compared to their terror and hardships.
Good for you! It’s a tough one. I gave up caffeine too. I feel your pain! So far so good, even though I work nights.
I have found it hard to keep to the fast decision but have also found those cravings for what I’ve given up a stark and almost constant reminder to pray for the couple that I’m craving to come to Christ. It’s a great exercise and thank Rusty and the church for the opportunity to sacrifice a little in the hope that there is great gain as souls are added as new citizens of Heaven every day.
My fast is going well. I have so many people that I pray for constantly. I find myself praying first then realizing that I didn’t even have to crave to be in prayer. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Rusty for bringing this awareness to all of us.
Being a 74 year old diabetic with a bad heart my diet is very controlled so in the give it up category i need an activity. AllI do is fly light sport planes so that I will not do that for lent. The person I am praying for is an exceptional person has a very debilitating disease yet still helps a lot of people and always have special prayers for sisters that have been through abortion they need prayers and support and have never heard it even mentioned from the pulpit at Real life.
Hi! I am fasting from my afternoon naps which is/was a daily occurrence. I am praying for a few people. Making it through pretty good! One thing that really stuck out to me was pastor Rusty’s statement:
“It has been charted that on most people’s faith journey, they require seven positive experiences with other Christ-followers. You may only be person number three, and God may use four other people to eventually help your friend find and follow Jesus.”
I have given up reading the news because I found myself too involved in that and then no time to read and study God’s word. I love that now I am spending more time in His word and unfortunately I don’t know what is going on in the world but still continue to pray for my people and add in our nation and the people of Ukraine, Russia and that whole region.
I have given up my daily glass of wine. I enjoy my red wine as I cook dinner every evening, but I find that I am now praying instead of sipping.
In addition to my original prayer list, I, too, have been praying for the people of the Ukraine. Seeing the horrors they are going through, my simple fast is such a minuscule sacrifice.
I also liked Rusty’s comment about a person needing seven positive experiences on their faith journey. It’s all about God’s timing and where we may fall on that time line.
Hello everyone, I am fasting two mealtimes a day, so I am mostly having dinner, no breakfast no lunch, just coffee, tea, and water. I am praying for my children and grandchildren. I too feel that I have been praying more and meeting with Him first thing in the morning even if it’s just to say good morning before I get ready for work, whenever I feel like it’s time to eat I get reminded to pray and feel I am getting closer to God!
The fasting is hard and I have failed a few times but I decided not to quit or beat myself up. I remember the reason I am doing this and my heart is full. And yes I am praying more!