Fasting

¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’^[a] For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”^[b]14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often,^[c] but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁵ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Matthew 9:13-15

     I have done a lot of research on the subject of fasting and learning what they Bible says about it.  Mentally, I believe I understand and know quite a bit about the subject.  However, in the actually doing it, it becomes complicated.  I have done several for different periods of time to get closer to God and understand the path that He was leading me on.  I believe dispite my failed attempts, He has answered my prayers.  He has given me some discernment, understanding, and may I say some wisdom.  I have so much more growing that I need, but I am grateful for what He has given me.
     I have fasted a lot over the last five years and I can honestly say that I don't think I have done it correctly once.  I want to focus on prayer and God's word and what He has done for me.  However, if I am going to be honest, I spend more time finding recipes that work around what I can't eat.  When I go completely without food, I seem to only think about food. 
     For eight months last year I fasted different things until I was able to come to the mission field.  It really helped with eating healthy, leading by example, and feeling God's closeness.  But, since I have gotten to Bolivia, I have not done one fast.  I have been thinking on what kind to do, but I never get motivated.  I am going to have to pray over my gluttonous attitude.  I encourage you to pray about what kind of fast you can do and see how it works in your life.  I am praying that the next attempt will be better than previous tries.  Thank goodness God knows my heart and doesn't just look at the fleshly part of me.