Hidden Forces in FastingParaugs

Fasting With A Focus

In our everyday lives, we often loose focus of what is important. Through fasting, we can refocus our lives who is important: God.

Children sometimes beg for their parent's attention by saying, “Mommy/Daddy… Look!” This desire for focus and affirmation is true even as adults. We still long for the attention of others. The introduction to this plan gave some insight into this. "As with many spiritual disciplines, you may encounter hidden forces that oppose you." The hidden forces seek to draw attention back to us. But we need our focus during a fast to be on the Lord. Tara Rye talks about the challenge of keeping her fasts between her and the Lord.

Fasting is a difficult task of denying ourselves of food or something we spend time consuming every day. We become physically dependent on God to fulfill all our needs. Fasting helps remove distractions when we direct our focus on God. But we must follow the challenge of Matthew 6 - we are to fast without drawing attention to ourselves. There is so much joy in seeking the Lord’s affirmation instead. When fasting, you do not look very different from everyone else, so fast faithfully and trust it pleases God to step out in faith when no one is looking.

Apply

• What needs do I need to trust God to meet today?
• How can I keep the focus on God and not myself while fasting?