Matthew 25 ChallengeНамуна

Matthew 25 Challenge: FOOD
by Jess Basson

CHALLENGE: Skip breakfast and lunch today.

A few days ago, my eight year old son was sitting eating some popcorn on the couch. Out of nowhere, he says to me, “I’m stress-eating.” Slightly stunned, I realised he’d heard me say that before and was trying the phrase out for himself.

The truth is, I do stress eat. When I’m overwhelmed or tired, I start scrounging through the cupboard for something sweet. Sometimes when I’m anxious or worried, I skip meals and drink too much coffee instead. It has taken me awhile to realise how much I use food to cope with my emotions! 

What is your relationship with food like?

Take a minute to answer these questions for yourself:

• What is your mood like when you’re hungry?
• What triggers you to increase your appetite?
• What triggers you to decrease your appetite?

Jesus called Himself the Bread of Life. He promised that those who “ate” of Him, would never be hungry again.

Who or what do you turn to when you’re stressed, anxious or overwhelmed?

Take a minute to tell God what emotions you’re feeling at the moment.

Today, we’re inviting you to skip two meals. This is an invitation to physically experience hunger as many people around our country and the world do every day. Maybe you know where your next meal is coming from, or maybe you don’t. Either way, notice what happens today as you intentionally let yourself get hungry. 

You may want to pause through the day and write down what feelings come up for you during the course of the day. How does being hungry affect your mood, your energy, your motivation?

Imagine dealing with this every day, as many do.

Remember, Jesus walked in your shoes and knows what you’re going through right now. 

When Jesus was in the desert, fasting for 40 days, He knew what it was like to be hungry. Really hungry.

Jesus knew what scarcity was.

When Jesus multiplied the few loaves and fishes into a feast for the crowd, He knew what it was like to have leftovers. Loads of leftovers.

Jesus knew what abundance was.

My prayer for you is that as you walk in the shoes of Jesus, you’ll become aware of His voice and presence in your day, and your awareness of what the hungry go through will increase your compassion and empathy for them.