Unlocking Spiritual Growth
Stepping into a new year sparks a desire for growth, especially in our spiritual journey. One powerful way to ignite this growth is through prayer and fasting. This practice is not just about abstaining from food , it serves as a profound method to draw nearer to God, seeking divine guidance and wisdom in all our endeavors. Fasting places the desires of the flesh under the dominion of the Spirit, facilitating an accelerated access to spiritual growth.
Fasting isn't just a trendy refraining from social media or goodies; it's an intentional choice found in both the Old and New Testaments. Its benefits are phenomenal—it sparks humility, reveals devotion, and forges a closer relationship with God. Moreover, it fosters unity and provides a path to unlock spiritual clarity and strength.
Even Jesus, in the New Testament, fasted for 40 days, setting before us an example. In Matthew 6:16-18, he urged us to fast privately, seeking acknowledgment from God alone. It is important to note Jesus did not say "if,” but he said "when" you fast, underlining its importance to us as believers.
As a Children’s Director/Pastor and mother, I continuously look to draw kids into the spiritual principles that the Bible teaches at the youngest age possible. Teaching children about fasting starts with sharing your journey and leading by example. Engage them in discussion about your fasting endeavors and its purpose because it can have a tremendous impact on them and their walk with the Lord. This, of course, is the best way to train your child up in the ways they should go!
There are some parents who will introduce their children to fasting by having them give up something they enjoy such as a favorite activity, sweets, video games or TV. This is not a bad idea if you are intentionally swapping that time out with prayer or reading the Bible.
Keep in mind fasting from meals is not recommended for children. Instead, gradually progress under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and always remember that fasting without connecting with God lacks any spiritual benefit. Reflect on the story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-30, who, despite fasting twice a week, lacked a heartfelt connection with God. To nurture our children's spiritual growth, consistently and intentionally discuss spiritual matters, read devotionals designed specifically for children and pray together. This will gradually prepare them for true fasting when they are old enough.
The combination of fasting and prayer offers numerous benefits, encompassing not just spiritual but also scientifically proven physical advantages. Intermittent and periodic fasting are both emerging as safe strategies to affect longevity and health span by acting on cellular aging and disease risk factors according to recent medical articles. Spiritually speaking and arguably more importantly, nurturing the spirit while subduing personal desires, will exponentially grow your faith, enhance one's relationship with God, facilitate discerning His voice, fortify against temptation, and pave the way for breakthroughs of all kinds in every aspect of your life.
In conclusion, it is not only our responsibility to fast but as parents to lead by example, guiding our children in their walk with the Lord. Equipping them early with the practice of fasting and prayer empowers them to confront life's challenges and lead a victorious, joy-filled life in Christ.