Fasting

What place does fasting hold in your life? Just a direct question to start with.

Much has already been said about fasting, and it can be approached in different ways. At its core, it’s about voluntarily setting something aside to dedicate yourself to something else. In the most literal sense, we often find it in the Bible concerning food.

Fasting, then, is abstaining from eating for a set period.

Jesus does this, for example. In Matthew 4, He fasts for 40 days and nights, after which He is tempted and overcomes with God’s word.

Fasting - fighting - overcoming.

Later, in the early church, we see it again. In Acts 13, the church fasts. During the fast, the Holy Spirit speaks, and Barnabas and Saul are appointed for a specific mission.

Fasting - hearing - sending.

I think you could find even more examples, but we certainly see that fasting has an important place.

What about you and me? Do you fast?
When there’s a struggle? Or when one is coming?
When do you have a decision to make?
Are your ears open? Are you listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Fasting does something in these areas. You become more alert. Your (spiritual) ears are open.

A friend of mine once said that after a few days of fasting, he could see where things in his life needed to change. That’s what we need—alertness and discernment to face reality and the boldness to address it. Both emerge in and through fasting.

What can you do with that?

Here’s something else to ponder… I recently read this definition in a book: “Fasting is praying with my body.” Wow!

Your rumbling stomach says, “Lord, more important than my empty stomach is being filled with You and hearing what You say. Speak, Lord.” Your feeling of emptiness says, “Lord, nothing can truly fulfill me but You alone. Fill me, Lord.”

What place does fasting hold in your life?

Take the following questions to reflect on:

• What place does fasting hold in your life?
• What step could you take? What would you need for that?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, You fasted. Throughout the ages, people have fasted. And for good reason, Lord. They wanted to hear Your voice, to dedicate themselves to You. I want that too. Help me with this. Show me the way. Grant me clarity, insight, and courage to fast for this purpose. To set things aside. To seek and honor You, even through my body. Amen.”

P.S. This is the last day of this Reading Plan. We hope it has helped you as a follower of Jesus and that you have enjoyed it.

The materials in this Reading Plan come from Alongsiders, a European discipleship movement, and Jesus.net.

Of course, there is much more to discover! Do you want to take the next step? Do you have a heart for discipleship and want to know more about how to follow Jesus with others? Visit our website.