We must repent

"The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow." Jonah 3:5 NLT

Runner's World Magazine recently asked the question, "Should You Try Intermittent Fasting for Better Running Performance?" which is a question many other runners have asked. And after a series of tests, this is what they said: Researchers looked at 23 male runners who were assigned to either their usual dietary intake or eight weeks of time-restricted eating on a 16:8 schedule, which means they consumed all food within an eight-hour window each day. The remaining 16 hours also included sleep time.They found that fasting resulted in reduction in body mass, but didn’t show differences in any other variables. Researchers concluded that the body mass loss was likely related to lower calorie intake in the time-restriction group, but that fasting didn’t change their overall running performance. So there you have it...  fasting might not help a runners' performance but it certainly doesn't hurt it. 

And you know, when it comes to fasting, the Bible is very clear that purposely abstaining from eating for a set period of time has amazing spiritual benefits, such as helping believers come to and express true repentance--as happened with the people of Ninevah after Jonah went to the city and proclaimed to its’ inhabitants that, because of their wicked ways, they would face God's judgement in 40 days. Thankfully, "the people of Nineveh believed God’s message" spoken through Jonah "and from the greatest to the least.. declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow." And you'll love this part! Because God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, "he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."

Sadly our world is just as evil today as it was in the time of Jonah. And the outcome of that sinfulness has not changed which means... the only way our nation, like the city of Ninevah, will be spared from God's coming judgement is to fast, pray and repent of our sins. So don't be silent today my friends. Proclaim "God's message" from the rooftops so that we might receive God's mercy rather than the destruction we so rightly deserve.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there is still hope for our nation if we would only turn and repent today. Lord, help us to be like Jonah and boldly warn others of the judgement that is coming. Compel us to fast and pray for our leaders God and to urge all those who have not placed their trust in You to do so before it's too late. Have mercy on us Lord. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hear us from heaven