“While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2

I was pacing between the kitchen and living room, frustrated and angry. I finally flopped on the couch, and proceeded into an intense debate with myself. Why was I putting myself through this torture two days a week? Was I gaining anything? Had God actually asked this of me or was this some crazy idea my own mind had come up with?

A series of events guided my decision: a recipe for Ezekiel bread came across my desk; my new grain grinder was sitting on the counter and my husband was asking if I was ever going to use it. But the real problem was spiritual warfare. When I prayed, I felt my words dropping to the ground instead of rising into the ear of God. This had to stop so, on an impulse, I decided to fast two days a week, then not over-indulge on the other days—for weeks. The first week was great, but by the fourth week, I wondered if I was a bit crazy to be doing this. By week six, I thanked God for helping me through—and then I ordered a pizza.

What did I gain from this? Perhaps pride that with God’s help I could put my spiritual welfare over my body’s wants. I gained respect, and some awe, for those in the Bible who fasted for forty days. But the greatest part—my spiritual life turned around. While I fasted, I spent more time praying and just “talking to God.” I felt like my words were actually going somewhere.

The reasons to show moderation, to maintain a healthy body, and to fast are clear. Jesus commanded us to fast. He didn’t give us a step by step do or don’t list for fasting, but He trusts we’ll seek His guidance and follow His words. Without moderation, it’s easy to show a greater devotion to earthly things rather than focusing on Godly things. It takes discipline, learning, and it takes practice and submission.

Practice moderation in eating. Exercise. And above all, pray for His guidance. Allow God to change your body from the inside out!

Prayer: Father, help us this day to practice moderation towards those things of earthly pleasure.

Jennifer Landsberger was an Engineering Laboratory Technician (nuclear chemist) in the U.S. Navy. She’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers . She has completed one book and is working on her second. Jennifer enjoys writing devotionals, articles, and short stories.