10.03.07
Fasting and Fast Sundays
I don’t love fasting or fast Sundays, but I believe in them. Have you ever heard of fast Sunday? Let me explain.
In my religion the first Sunday of the month is set aside to fast for 24 hours with a purpose in mind such as fasting and praying for someone who is sick or unemployed, or asking God to bless us with rain. In conjunction with the fast we are asked to make a donation for the amount we would have spent on the two skipped meals. My church uses these donations to help the poor and needy with food and clothes.
Several years ago, the leaders of my church asked us to ten times the amount of our fast offerings, and that if we would have the faith to give more abundantly, we would be blessed. Although our family was struggling to make ends meet, my husband and I decided that we should exercise our faith by paying a more generous fast offering. Our financial situation did not seem to improve; however, we were able to pay all our monthly bills even though we were donating ten times more to fast offerings.
We have continued the tradition of paying a generous fast offering because it makes us feel good, and brings us peace. Today, we don’t miss the money we pay to fast offerings because it has become a monthly habit that we do without giving it a second thought.
As I study the scriptures, I have realized that generally most miracles come about through mighty fasting and prayer. As I grow older, I find myself fasting and praying two or three times a month to increase my faith mostly in behalf of my children who are making critical lifetime decisions.
When I fast, I not only feel spiritually strenghtened, I feel better physically. I believe for optimum health that the body needs a rest from digesting at least once a month.
When I complete my fast, I appreciate the abundance of many wonderful foods and treats like:
Golden Trio of Treats from Maple Ridge Farms
Pecan Turtle and Cashews in a Green Box from Maple Ridge Farms