Image borrowed from this siteLast Saturday, a friend of my Panget was sharing to us a miracle that happened to her. She has been begging and praying for the longest time that her husband stop smoking but nothing has happened. Since she attended Sunday Christian Church regularly - she has been hearing of prayers being answered, especially if coupled with a sacrifice. She then thought to herself that she would try it at least - without expectation. And so she decided to fast, just one meal a day, and for the two meals - she would instead meditate or pray.
For a while, nothing happened - she was getting skeptical, but then her Pastor told her to hold on and have faith. Come Sunday, they went to Church again - after the celebration, her husband turned to her and handed her his box of cigarettes and told her 'Throw these away'. When she heard it - tears began to fall and she was crying. Her husband not knowing what happened was shocked and bewildered. It was only when they went home that she explained why she cried - it was because her prayers have been answered! Her husband has been off cigarettes for six months now!
When I heard this, I realized something. That when I pray - I always ask something from Him without thinking of what I can do for Him. So that was when I decided that I will give back by fasting too! I know it's going to be hard, especially for a person who loves to eat! I thought, maybe it was easy - because I've tried fasting during Lent and abstaining from meat (for 6 successful months now!) But since I know it's for Him - why not step it up one level, right? And so today, I'm on my 4th day fasting (eating one meal a day) I tell you, it's not easy at all! My body is still getting used to it, there are moments when I want to eat or I crave for something - but when I tell myself 'this is for You' the craving stops. I hope this sacrifice will make me closer to Him and appreciate Him even more.
I know I will encounter a lot of criticisms, knowing looks and questions. But I have to be strong - I've already been asked - why I am doing this? Well, I just tell them, it's my sacrifice! If there are people who don't eat beef because of their belief - I respect that, but this - well, this is my sacrifice, this is for my spiritual life.
Wish me luck!! :)
i hope ur taking in some anti ulcer medications like Zantac or Nexium... diets can be good, but i can cause hyperacidity leading to Gastritis or gastirc ulcer formation
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your fasting-- I hope you find what you're looking for :)
ReplyDeleteO, pa'no na ang food blog surfing? Ha ha ha :)
Wow, admirable. :) Kaya mo yan!
ReplyDeleteHi Sakai, I don't think I need it yet. But thanks!
ReplyDeleteHiya Manggy! Thanks ah! :)
Hi Minds! Thanks for the support!!
ReplyDeletebetter safe than sorry, once u feel something.. it might be too late...any comment abt this manggy
ReplyDeletep.s. ill be praying for you too...
Hi Sakai, thanks for your concern.
ReplyDeleteidol kita achie!! i can never ever do that for fear of having ulcer :( good luck and im here rooting for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHi FRan! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHah, napabalik pa ako... Anyway, actually erosive gastritis from fasting is relatively rare. My advice is to see after a week or two if you feel anything weird stomach-wise. If you do, probably better to stop the fast. It would also be wise to have check-ups more often and to have your blood pressure monitored occasionally to avoid possible syncope.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Manggy! Thanks for the concern!
ReplyDeleteHiya Sab! Try mo rin, so we can be buddies! Hahaha...