Apr 26, 2023 The Heart of Fasting

How does fasting deepen our spiritual experience? was a great discussion question we had for our study groups in a closed country.

In their study groups, QHM gospel workers and members discussed how several religions practice fasting during religious holidays, to feel closer to God and develop their spirituality. Holidays like Ramadan and Lent typically take place in April, so it was a fitting topic, and our group members were engaged in the dialog.

I can really see how God is leading and guiding our discussions, shared one QHM gospel worker. They went on to share how the groups have talked about the topics of success and failure, habits, manners, and childhood.

It was impressive to see how the students themselves would bring up the topic of religion and beliefs! said the gospel worker, And, we ended up concluding that we should surrender to God and leave to him our daily plans, joys, and burdens.

In countries that are closed to Christianity, sharing the gospel takes time to build relationships and trust.

During this special time of spiritual renewal, gospel workers would host get-togethers for group members. Many of the members come from different regions, and not everyone can go home for the holidays. So, everyone has appreciated the social time as they enjoy an evening meal, breaking their fasts together. This community-building activity helped grow the bond of the group participants.

As we were breaking the fast, we were able to introduce to them how Christian families pray before eating, said the gospel worker. Subsequently, the group prayed together for the food that night. This is just an example of how one small action can lead the way for discussions during dinner about religious customs and beliefs.

Group members are so much more spiritually connected and open, shared one QHM gospel worker. They’re praying more than usual and reading more spiritual texts.

During a different group discussion, we talked about the following topics: personality, family values, and finally, empathy which was the last session. For the session, everyone received a card with Isaiah 58 printed on it. The group was asked to take it home with them to reflect more on it for their next session.

The group was open to discussing, even though they knew it was a chapter from the Bible. For some of the group it was the first time ever reading the Bible.

‘We have fasted before You! [God]’ they say.
‘Why aren’t You impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and You don’t even notice it!’

I will tell you why! I respond.
It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with Me.

Isaiah 58:3-4 NLT

The discussions regarding Isaiah 58 were interesting and deeply spiritual. God really was touching all hearts to the kind of fast God wants us to have, the things and mentalities God values.

In the end, shared a gospel worker, we concluded that we should all get to the heart of fastingÑwhich is to get closer to God in sincerity.

We praise God for His ways of reaching the hearts of His people. Will you continue to pray for our gospel workers in closed countries? Please pray for their safety. Pray God would soften hearts to accept Him.

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