IT’S TIME TO FAST
There is a time for everything under the sun… but some things are extra hard to make time for. For most, there doesn’t seem to be a good time to fast. Some will fast to lose weight, or to gain the health benefits, but very few to know God. Throughout the ages, the greatest men and women of God had a habit of fasting, and fasting often. Have you ever wondered why? What was the main purpose of fasting in Biblical times? The main purpose was for an intimate connection with God and favor from him. It was time, set aside, to humble one’s self before God. (See Ezra 8:21 and 2 Chron 7:14)
When a person fasts to know God, it is different than fasting for health reasons. Our bodies have to have food and water to survive; therefore, when we fast, our hearts and minds must be focused entirely on God so that he can be the complete source for our strength and sustenance. So, when should we fast? Jesus let us know when a good time to fast would be; he said, "But the time will come when the bridegroom (Jesus) will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” (Luke 5:35)
According to that Scripture, the appropriate time to fast would be now. Jesus, the bridegroom, has been taken from us and we certainly need his help from heaven! Jesus, at another time, spoke about this subject saying, “Whenyou fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But whenyou fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:16-18)
Jesus and biblical writers never thought in terms of – if you fast – but rather when you would fast. There are many texts in the Bible that are written from the assumption that you will be fasting. So, what has happened to the art of fasting in our culture – especially fasting to get closer to God? In America, it seems like we have exchanged the word fasting for feasting. There is no doubt that God wants us to have times of feasting, but we must have both.
Is fasting healthy? Yes, fasting is very healthy and, at times, even miraculous in its ability to bring about vibrant health, but the greatest purpose for fasting is to draw near to God! Could God be trying to talk to you? Could it be time for you to let go of food for a little while so that you can use that time to focus on knowing God? God longs for you more than you know, and wants to reveal himself to you! Can you set aside some special time for him? I am not talking about a 40 day fast or a three day fast or even, for that matter, a one day fast. I am talking about setting aside some time – even a meal or two – to really focus on God! Listen… can you hear it? I think God is speaking! His still small voice is calling you and saying...