Fasting

“‘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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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.'” Matt 6:16-18 (NIV)

What is fasting? Fasting is conscientiously delaying gratification of your appetite. You have a God-given desire for food. Your body craves the consumption of food. In fasting, you redirect your ambition for food with your pursuit of God’s agenda. Fasting allows you to forsake your drive for food in order to focus on your relationship with God.

Sometimes you feel called to fast from an activity that normally consumes much of your attention. You may feel called to fast from coffee, caffeine, golf, or television for a specific period of time. The purpose of the fast is not for you to draw attention to yourself, but to draw near to God.

Why would God reward fasting? Jesus modeled that fasting was as normal to a Christian as eating food and drinking water. God rewards fasting because He is true to His Word. God keeps His promises. God promises to reward your discipline of fasting.

Action Step: Fast secretly and systematically.

I am reminded of a quote by John Piper: “There’s a difference in fasting to be seen and being seen fasting.”

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care