“No Meat Today!”
In honor of one of the earliest traditions of the Church, we join with millions of Christians across the globe in refraining from meat today (24 hours) as our Challenge. Removing meat (poultry, beef, and pork) from our diets during the Lenten Season is just one way to do something easy for The Lord.
Oh, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with meat consumption, but the point of this challenge is to make us think before we eat. We are supposed to rely upon God to provide for our most basic needs, but the reality is that God provides much, much more. Fasting, the temporary removal of certain foods and/or beverages from our diet, is just one of the many ways we can show our appreciation of God’s food blessings.
These tips might help. First, in regards to fasting, begin on Thursday evening AFTER your meal (you may already be ahead!). Then, withhold meat for 24 hours, or your Friday evening meal, whichever works for you. If you missed that window, then no worries, just do it tonight. Second, if withholding meat (or any kind of fasting) is contrary to your doctor’s orders, you are automatically granted a hall pass for the challenge. Instead of fasting, read the Bible and Pray for five minutes.
Yeah, the Challenge might seem silly, but one cannot avoid images of the hunger and thirst issues taking place in Ukraine and surrounding countries. Let’s avoid meat for 24-hours and pray for those who would be thankful to have something to eat today.
“And there by the Ahava River, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before God. We prayed that He would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled…So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.” (Ezra 8:21, 23)
