FASTING

Hi my name is Amaya. I’m part of the media team at United Campus Ministry. I’m a transfer student majoring in public relations. This is my second semester at Texas State University.

FASTING
We fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us and He heard our prayer. – Ezra 8:23 

Every year for the past 8 years, my family and I fast for 21 days starting on the first Sunday of the year. In the past, I only fasted (give up eating certain foods) out of obligation instead of wanting to show God how much I love him. I would fast dairy, bread, sweets, basically all things delicious. As someone who is a picky eater and hates vegetables, fasting felt like a punishment. I focused on the rules of what I couldn't eat rather than focusing on God.

I noticed my heart wasn’t in the right place, so last year I did a technology/media fast instead of fasting food. I fasted tv, movies, social media, video games, and YouTube. Some of my friends thought it was a little extreme, but if I was going to fast I was going to do what was best for me. That year I dove into God's Word like never before. There was an instant mental and spirit change. For this year, I fasted because I wanted to grow my relationship and truly surrender every part of my life to God. It gave me the opportunity to demonstrate humility and sincerity. Fasting is truly a commitment to seeking the Lord and is a privilege from which each of us can benefit.

What I love most about fasting is that I can reset and reconnect with God. Sometimes life can be overwhelming filled with worries, but fasting requires you to focus on God and submit all of yourself to Him. During fasting, you pray to God whether it’s about casting your cares, a new job, or even to find a parking spot. When we pray God listens and in His time He will answer. God responds when we diligently and wholeheartedly seek Him. 

I turned to the Lord and pleaded with prayer and fasting - Daniel 9:3