Living a fasted life

 

Intombi eno Jesu- Living a fasted life

Hey Sis,

 

I’m so happy to have you here for our very first newsletter.

 

Why “Intombi Eno Jesu”? Honestly, I don’t remember where I first heard the phrase, but it stayed with me. Through this platform, I want to share my journey of faith with you. In a time where being a Jesus girl isn’t always seen as fashionable, I want us to be young women who set ourselves apart for God’s use; living intentionally and inspiring our younger sisters who are watching us.

 

Today, I want to talk about living a fasted life.

 

This idea came to me last month as I was searching for ways to grow closer to God despite my busy schedule. I’ve come to understand that how far I go with God is closely tied to my willingness to pursue Him and the price I’m willing to pay in following Christ.

 

This year, I developed the habit of fasting during the first week of every academic block. My blocks are five weeks long, and I’ve completed four so far. During that first week, I fast food throughout the day while I’m at the hospital and only break my fast in the evening.

During this fast, my motivation has never been to ask God for academic success or earthly blessings. My desire is simply intimacy; to seek His face more than His hand.

 

After my most recent fasting week, I realized something. The weeks that followed often became so busy that, although I was still praying and reading Scripture, the closeness and intentionality I experienced during fasting began to fade. There was something different about the posture of my heart during that week.

 

So I asked myself, What if I embraced a lifestyle of fasting every week?

 

Not necessarily fasting food every week lol; because let’s be honest, that’s not practical! Instead, I decided to intentionally fast different things that occupy my attention.

 

One of the biggest changes has been social media. I’ve always wanted to step away from WhatsApp, but I rely on it for communication. So instead, I fast the “social” part of it: I don’t view statuses, and I avoid posting so that I don’t end up scrolling mindlessly. It isn’t because I dislike people or want to seem cool. It’s because I’m learning to lay aside things I enjoy in order to seek God more intentionally.

 

It’s been about a month now, and the difference has been remarkable. My mind feels lighter and less cluttered. I no longer feel the constant urge to scroll or share every moment of my life. I’ve gained a sense of freedom that is difficult to put into words, and honestly, I don’t know when I’ll go back to using WhatsApp in the same way.

 

Fasting means intentionally denying myself something I would normally enjoy in order to turn my attention toward God. Some weeks it’s social media. One week I even fasted meat; which, yes, was quite an adventure! I had to get creative with my meals.

 

The goal isn’t legalism or perfection. It’s cultivating a heart that says, “Lord, there is nothing I wouldn’t surrender if it draws me closer to You.”

 

I don’t always get it right. There are moments when I fall short. But even then, I choose to get up and keep pursuing Him.

 

So let me leave you with this question, Sis:

 

What step are you willing to take, or what price are you willing to pay, to go deeper in your intimacy with Christ?

 

Love

Rotakala Ntombondo