Steps of faith

Give up something that matters

 Give up something that matters

Close your eyes for a moment and think of something that you just can’t live without. Your morning cup of latte? How about that gin and tonic after work? Or your favourite television programme?.

Make a pact with yourself that starting right now, you will forego that pleasure for an entire week (or a month, in the case of a weekly activity). Don’t wait for Monday or any other “right time”. Just do it now.

Tell God your plans and ask for his help in sticking with it. And when it’s time for that latte or television program, have a quick chat with God about it or anything else that comes into your mind.

Note: Fasting normally involves abstaining from meals or specific foods for a certain length of time – for example, not eating at all for 24 hours or skipping lunch for a week. Health considerations are important, so if you have an eating or metabolic disorder, fasting from food is not an option for you. There are other ways to fast, though. Soap operas, shopping for little luxuries and eating chocolate are all good targets for fasting! And then there’s silence. How about no talking for an hour, or even a day?

Try to spend the time you free up to give something to others – write a letter, run an errand, send an email or pray for them.

“When you go without eating, don’t try to look gloomy as those show-offs do when they go without eating. I can assure you that they already have their reward. Instead, comb your hair and wash your face. Then others won’t know that you are going without eating. But your Father sees what is done in private, and he will reward you.”
Jesus, in Matthew 6:6-18

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