Last Sunday I taught on the topic of fasting. I shared that fasting is giving something up, usually food, for a specific period of time in order to more fully focus on God. We looked at Matthew 6 where Jesus was teaching his disciples. In that chapter Jesus talks about three things he expects his followers to do. He expects them to give, pray and fast. That’s why you will see the phrase, “When you…” seven times in this chapter. In saying, “When you…” Jesus is assuming his followers are going to do the three things he’s talking about: give, pray and fast.
Giving and praying are important
We all agree that giving and praying are important and that our lives would be diminished if we gave up either. Giving and praying are essential disciplines we all believe we could and should do better. I’ve never met anyone who thought they gave and prayed too much! But, when it comes to fasting, most present day followers of Christ just don’t do it and, to be honest, never think about it. And, if you were to ask and people were to answer honestly, most would say that they just don’t believe fasting is important. Otherwise, they would do it. Until recently, I was one who just didn’t think much about fasting nor did I practice it.
Fasting is not a part of the average Christian’s life
The typical follower of Christ in our day has not made fasting a regular part of his or her life. Toward the end of the message I wondered aloud how my life might have been different had I made fasting a part of my life just like I’ve made giving and praying. I hoped you would ask yourself the same question.
So, what’s happened in your life this week? I suggested that you invest time this week asking God what He wants you to do regarding fasting. I did not ask you to make a commitment to fast only that you seek the heart and mind of God about it. So, what’s God been saying to you? Has He given clear guidance and direction? I hope so! If so, I’d like to hear from you.
I’d like to recommend a book to you that may help you with this spiritual discipline. It’s called Fast Living by Scott C. Todd. (not living in a hurry, but “fast” as in spiritual practice). In Isaiah 58, God says that one reason we fast is not just to get closer to God, but to share our food with the hungry. If we fast and pray, and follow what Isaiah 58 says, we can change the plight of those who suffer in extreme poverty. Here’s a link to the Facebook page for the book: https://www.facebook.com/live58 Fasting doesn’t just change us, it has potential to change the world!