Becoming Like Jesus: Fasting and AbstinenceSample

Fasting and Jesus

We are on a journey to become like Jesus for the sake of others by implementing the spiritual disciplines of fasting and abstinence. Spiritual disciplines are habits and practices that help us become more like Jesus.

Yesterday, you came up with a fasting plan and identified something to abstain from for the next two weeks. Today, we are going to look at one of the most well known stories of Jesus fasting in the Bible. As we do, we will learn some powerful truths about fasting, abstinence, and how to grow as disciples of Jesus.

Let’s get started.

Pray…

Heavenly Father, I want to grow in my relationship with you. I’m committing to give these things up so I can create space in my life for more of you. Give me the strength to say no to my desires so I can say yes to following you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 NIV

Consider…

Just before this moment, Jesus was baptized by His cousin John. When Jesus came out of the water, we’re told that heaven was opened, the Holy Spirit came down, and the voice of the Father declared,“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. A ministry that would involve casting out demons, calling followers, healing sicknesses, giving sight to the blind, teaching with authority, and eventually, being executed as an enemy of the Roman empire. But before any of that, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil.

And for those forty day, Jesus fasted.

Why? Because fasting trains us to say no to our sinful desires through the practice of saying no to our desire for food. While fasting may cause you to feel weaker physically, it makes us stronger spiritually. And Jesus knew that going toe-to-toe with the devil in the wilderness would require Him to be at His strongest.

It’s kind of like how professional UFC fighters throw themselves into grueling training camps in preparation for a big fight. Sure, those days of training take a toll on their bodies, but, by the end of it, they are in peak condition to go into the ring and secure the victory.

Jesus’ forty days of fasting in the wilderness, filled by the Holy Spirit, served a similar purpose. He was preparing Himself physically, mentally, and spiritually for his showdown with the devil.

What temptations do you want the Holy Spirit to help you overcome? What victories over sin and the devil do you need God’s help to secure?

Practice…

From here on out, stick to the plan you decided on. When you feel hungry or start craving whatever you’re abstaining from, give your attention to God. Pray for Him to give you the strength to say no to those desires so you can say yes to Him.

“Lord, give me the strength to say no to my desires. Help me to focus on you. Make me more like Jesus.”

If you do break your fast or engage in the thing you’re abstaining from, don’t be too hard on yourself. Get back on your feet, ask God for help, and jump back into it.

Listen…

Find a comfortable place where you won’t be distracted. Maybe a cozy chair, a closet, or even sitting outside on a porch. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Next, ask God to speak to you. When you get distracted, bring your focus back to God by repeating this short prayer:

(Breathe in) Lord Jesus, (Breathe out) Have mercy on me.

(Breathe in) Heavenly Father, (Breathe out) Speak to me.

(Breathe in) Holy Spirit, (Breathe out) Guide me.

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you got to spend with Him, then head into your day looking for opportunities to better serve Him and serve others.