When I taught high school for 10 years, there were many days when I forgot to eat or simply didn’t have time to. Thus, when a friend from church convinced me to start fasting, the transition was easier than I thought. During my final semester of teaching, my body became use to just one meal a day per week, with 4 meals on the weekend. Although depression had something to do with this, I lost most of my cravings for food.
Eight-teen months later, I find the opposite to be true. While depression is still a factor, my body has become addicted to certain foods. During a 3 day fast I attempted earlier this week, my body went through severe withdrawal on day 1, leaving me miserable with a high fever. Based upon books I have read, toxins within my body were reacting to their lack of food supply. Instead of toughing it out, I broke my fast after 24 hours, disappointed by my weakness, Matthew 26:41.
Maybe this is why the apostle Paul goes to extreme measures in his letter to the church in Corinth. According to 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, fasting requires the mindset of an athletic who goes into strict training. Sometimes the only way to overcome bad habits, temptation and a weak flesh is through a teetotalism mentality. When there is a will, there is a way to overcome addiction. May your battle with the world’s obstacles lead you to lean on God’s compassion, forgiveness and mercy to press on, praying for victory over the giants in your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 