GOD IS CALLING YOU TO FAST
There is a time for everything under the sun, but some things are extra hard to make time for. Fasting doesn’t always fit into our schedule of convenience and comfort. Some will fast to lose weight or gain health benefits, yet others will fast to deepen their relationship with God. Throughout the ages, the greatest men and women of God had a habit of fasting and, mind you, fasting often. Have you ever wondered why? What was the real purpose of fasting in Biblical times? The central aim was for an intimate connection with God and favor from him. It was a time to set aside natural pleasures and 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. Fasting provides the opportunity to get our mind and body entirely focused on our ultimate source and purpose… God.
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 gave us more wisdom about fasting when he said, “When you 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 when you 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 fast. Many texts in the Bible 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?
Is fasting healthy? Yes, fasting is highly beneficial and, at times, even miraculous in its ability to bring about vibrant health. But the most essential 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 and wants to reveal himself to you more than you can fathom! 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 may be speaking! Listen! I believe that maybe…
GOD IS CALLING YOU TO FAST
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