Choosing a Fast for YouSample

Though it was not appropriate for the disciples to fast while Jesus was with them, now that He has ascended to heaven, believers fast. It is a tool God has given us to help us focus on Him.

Fasting from food or any cherished thing is intentionally pushing ourselves away from our full plates of self and setting our hearts at the banquet table of the Lord, seeking to feast upon Him and Him only.

Andrew Murray identifies the purpose of Fasting clearly and concisely: "Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain the kingdom."

Richard Foster declares: "More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us."

This kind of fasting and denying of self is not particularly "en vogue" today. People are willing to diet to lose weight to work on their body shape, but some will rarely fast to work on their relationship with God. But isn't a deeper relationship with God more important than being skinny?

WHEN WE FAST

1. We communicate from the depth of our souls and our bodies that we genuinely desire to see a work of God.
2. We demonstrate in word and deed that we know we can do nothing apart from God. We lay prostrate before His throne, cry out to Him for His mercy to do a work in us that only He can do.
3. We acknowledge that all good things come from Him, even our ability to fast.
4. We appeal to Him to gently reveal to us who or what we truly treasure.

When we fast, there are several things we are NOT doing.

1. We are not bribing God, twisting His arm, or demanding our selfish way.
2. We are not trying to earn merit or favor with Him. Fasting in itself doesn't bring righteousness, forgiveness, or even holiness.

As you fast, keep your eyes fixed upon the Lord. Remember these cautions. Always keep before you that it is all about Him, for Him, through Him, and from Him.

PRAYER

O Lord, have mercy on me. Give me your grace to walk forward, taking up my cross and following you. I want to deny myself by fasting so that I may feast upon you!

In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen.