“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." (Matthew 6:16-18)
Fasting is such a foreign concept in our American “indulge yourself” culture. Not only do we not fast, but we usually go to the opposite extreme, eating far more than we need to eat or should eat. But fasting is not about what’s good for the body. It is not God’s great diet plan to keep us looking good and feeling good.
Fasting is about self-control. It is a demonstration to us, and to the Lord, that some things are more important than food, more important than what makes us feel good.
Fasting is a concrete way to appeal to God for help. I don’t know how or why, but God attaches power to fasting.
Hundreds of thousands of Christians fast each year for the specific purpose of appealing to God to send revival and spiritual renewal to our country. Some people fast for up to 40 days, which is almost unbelievable to me. Others fast for much shorter periods of time, perhaps as little as one meal. But all, by exercising self-control over food, appeal to God to intervene in America.
Jesus said “when” you fast. Not “if,” but “when.” It was His expectation that His followers would fast.
It is a foreign concept to most of us, but a biblical one.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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