I was asked about Fasting

When I became a Christian I became very aware that people Fasted and that they did this for many reasons. I decided that I wanted to do all that I could to be as faithful a person for God as I could be and even though at times I fall short I do try very much.

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I did an Internet search and discovered not only religious persons Fasted. It is a great way of cleansing the body of all the toxic waste that builds up over many years. Such items as food colouring (often they are other things), preservatives, chemicals and such. All bad for the body.

I first tried a one day Fast and that amazed me because it was so hard. I was appalled that I couldn’t Fast for more than a day.

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I read a story about a man who wanted to Fast but at lunchtime his mother came in and offered him his favourite foods and he collapsed and ate with her, on the first day.

When lunchtime was over he realized what he had done and he was so ashamed and disappointed with himself, he felt that he had let God and himself down very much. And then with a amazing determination, he Fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

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Fasting is very good for ones health and many claim that it cleans out the toxic poisons found in modern foods that cause cancers and illnesses. My health greatly improved after Fasting.

Some doctors are very much against Fasting and make claims about that. I know that if a person is not well they shouldn’t Fast. I have read about many people who have Fasted in trying situations and all has gone well for them. Lots of prayer and Fasting brings us so close to God and we feel so full of love and care.

As far as reading is concerned I always found that while Fasting I always took in lots of spiritual information and grew with the Word. I felt that my fellowship with God was so much more stronger and I knew His will for me.

I started with small 1 day Fast. I read the books about Fasting. I did my homework. And then I then progressed to 3 day Fasts. The stomach shuts down after 3 days and then it awakens with much excitement if we eat something after then

Our sense of smell really is much stronger when we Fast, I could smell what was cooking in homes as I passed them in the street. It wasn’t because I was hungry, it was because my sense of smell was so intense, and the smells become lovely flavours that I really loved.

When I Fasted I would often cook my children dinner, it never bothered me at all. I would sometimes take a book and walk to the Tokoroa lake and spend an hour or two just reading in the afternoons. Its was really good and very enjoyable as I soaked in the atmosphere, prayed, read, prayed and just really enjoyed my alone time with God.

I only lost weight after about 7 or 8 days, and then by the second week it would come off more and then after a 40 day Fast it was very obvious I had Fasted. Because the fat disappears from the body the muscles show up more and we get colder. In the house I would wear much clothing while my children were wearing less because they were not feeling the cold because the fat was keeping them warm – and they are not fat children.

On around the 35 day of a fist 40 day solids Fast we go to the toilet, and hard as rock solids come out. One should drink prune juice and berry juice, the pure good stuff to cleanse the body of years of toxins. The complexion is better, the hair and one really does feel great. This will probably differ for different people in different countries. I do not claim to be an expert and that is why I recommend you see and expert – I just did the research over the Internet and learned that way though.

I would do 11 kilometer walks and even go for long rides on my bicycle when Fasting, I have felt weak sometimes but most of the time I could do all the activities that I used to do.

I recommend that people go to their Pastor and ask for advice on this subject and see people who have done this before. There are some dangers and one I found out the hard way.

After a Fast longer than 3 days we are supposed to gently get back into eating or we will get very painful stomach cramps (I made this mistake, only once though). I broke my Fasts with soups and then after about a week gently back to solids. We pay the painful price if we rush back into solid foods again, its just not worth it.

There are many different types of Fasting as well. Solid food Fasts. Drinks fast (Types of drinks etc) and we can really Fast from anything, even TV.

I hope this has been interesting and helped you. Fasting is in the Bible and many people have done it simply for health reasons.

The greatest thing is spiritual growth with God. I really do feel so much more closer to God whenever I Fasted. I pray God bless you on your spiritual journey as you look for His will in your life.

All the best from

James M Sandbrook.

9 August 2012.