A Different Kind of Fasting
“But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” ~ Romans 3:21-22 (NLT)
The Lenten season started this week. Oddly enough, this year, Ash Wednesday fell on Valentines Day; the last time this happened was 1944. Ash Wednesday starts 40 days of “fasting”. 40 days and nights, Jesus was in the wilderness to get ready for His ministry (see Luke 4:1-14).
Over the years, I have given up things; sugar, chocolate, social media, just to name a few. However over the past 3 years I have actually added something to my days. Prayers, journaling, special Lent devotions. This year I wasn’t sure what I would add or give up to get myself ready for Easter. Last week the answer came from one of my co-workers who works in a different regional office. She emailed me a different kind of fasting she received from her church. I was excited to read it, and hopefully I will adapt most of these fasting points over the next 40 days. So here are the point my friend Sherrie shared with me (source – Pope Francis):
- Fast from hurting words and say kind words
- Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude
- Fast from anger and be filled with patience
- Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope
- Fast from worries and have trust in God
- Fast from pressure and be prayerful
- Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy
- Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others
- Fast from grudges and be reconciled
- Fast from words and be silent so you can listen
My sweet friends, no matter how you reflect during this Lenten season, my hope is that you will keep your eyes fixed on the Cross. Life can go sideways really quick in this fallen world. However you spend this Lenten season, may you stay close to Him and His Word. If you like the “Fasting” list, I have created a file you may download here.
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” ~ Romans 3:23-24 (NLT)
“Lord of Heaven and Earth. As we are starting our journey through Lent, we pray that You alone are our Guide and Comforter. We are in need of Your grace and mercy. We all have sinned and fall short of Your glorious standards. We are trusting in Your mercy. In the precious name of Jesus we pray…Amen!
Photo and Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
Is that an iris from our Iris? How appropriate! I appreciate the list. It is a regimen for the soul.
Yes it is Luwana 🙂
Thank you for sharing this list, Iris. I will definitely download .
Love it! I just read an article tonight about fasting negativity! What an impact that could make. ?