DAY 61 of #100daysofJesus - Fasting

 

DAY 61 of #100daysofJesus

Jesus fasted and taught his disciples to fast.

Fasting is a method of subjugating the desires of the flesh (hunger and thirst in this case) to the will of the spirit by going a period of time without food or water. Aside from any physical benefits, fasting has great spiritual power.

It is no coincidence that before Satan came to tempt Him, Jesus had been fasting. This strengthened Him to withstand the temptations. Similarly, fasting can help deliver us from temptation and the grasps of sin. Isaiah taught:

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"

In your life, is there a yoke you would like to break or bands you would like to see loosened? Fasting can help!

Fasting must be combined with prayer. This combination calls down the powers of heaven to help us in our lives. As we fast and pray for a purpose, miracles can and will occur - I've witnessed them in my own life.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we fast not only for spiritual power but also to help the poor. Isaiah continues in the next verse to describe the purpose of fasting:

"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

Fasting is a way that we care for the poor in our local communities and help the poor around the world. On the first Sunday of each month (today, for example), we fast by giving up two meals and then donating the cost of those meals (or more generously where we can) to help the poor in our neighborhoods and communities. The distribution of these sacred funds is under the direction and oversight of the local bishop.

Another great way to help feed the hungry is by donating to your local food bank. Here's an easy way to donate through Facebook to the Utah Food Bank: https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/explore/search/charities/?q=utah%20food%20bank&source=fundraiser_hub_explore_search.

Sometimes fasting is difficult. It often makes me tired or irritable, gives me headaches, and can feel uncomfortable. It can also be joyful as you selflessly fast to help other people and focus on the good you can do.

When we fast, we follow Jesus' example and invite His power more fully into our lives. I hope and pray that as you and I fast, we can experience an increase of God's power and joy in our lives!

(Matthew 4:2, Matthew 17:21, Isaiah 58:6-7, D&C 59:13-14)