When I was saved at the age of twenty-four and began to voraciously read the Scriptures, I kept finding these references to fasting and praying. I’m not sure if I had ever heard of fasting prior to my conversion so I was intrigued by what I was reading. The real eye-opener for me occurred when I came across Matthew 6:16-18 where Jesus says, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Two things impacted me about what Jesus says in those verses. First, He assumed that fasting would be a normal part of His followers’ lives. He did not command them to fast but simply talked to them about their hearts’ attitudes when they engaged in fasting. By this I inferred in those early days of my salvation that fasting was not some fringe practice for radical believers but, instead, a non-sensational discipline of the Christian life such as prayer, bible reading, serving others or evangelism. That was enough for me and I began to adopt the practice of fasting as a weekly regimen. Unfortunately, I became very legalistic about fasting in those early days. There was the occasional fear of being in trouble with God if I went more than a handful of days without fasting. It also became a badge of smugness in my heart as I realized most other believers did not ever fast. I remember an occasion where I had gone a full day without food or water and set my alarm clock for 12:01 AM the next day so I could get up and get something to eat and drink without violating the fast in a technical way – legally, I had made it through a day of fasting and I felt that I must have certainly pleased God. There was plenty of room for growth in me about understanding the spirit & purpose of fasting and I find a great measure of joy and peace about the practice now that my approach is free from legalism. Jesus assumed we would fast. That should speak volumes to all of us.
The second thing that impacted me about the words of Christ in Matthew 6:16-18 is that He attached a promise to the practice of fasting. Jesus says, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Let’s just take His words in the simplicity with which He offers them. Part of the practice of fasting includes some form of reward. Thankfully, the Lord did not get too specific about the reward itself but made the commitment that our Heavenly Father would affirm our fasting and grant some form of fruitful result after the fast is completed. Fasting is able to be approached with part of the motivation being that you and I need something from God. That may sound a little self-serving but let’s be honest: these are times of great need among God’s people. Our homes need the touch of God. Some of our bodies stand in need of healing. Addictions from which people cannot get free require divine aid. Our churches are often targeted by the enemy or divided because of selfish Christians’ carnal impulses. What about our personal finances? Our ministries unto the Lord? Are our children and grandchildren not destined to grow up in an increasingly hostile Christian world? Do they not need the mighty touch of God and His protection upon them? You see, the needs all around us are great and Jesus taught in Mark 9:29 that certain opposition against our lives will not be put down unless fasting is involved. Let me leave you with a few considerations for you to determine if now is a time for you to learn about fasting or to re-engage in this powerful element of the Christian life.
- Are you in need of healing?
- Is there a specific area of your life where you just cannot seem to gain breakthrough or victory?
- Is your ministry/vision/calling in a discouraging rut and leaving you confused?
- Do you sense that your worship of God and walk with Christ has become stale?
- Do you believe that there is something more to the journey of faith which you have never experienced?
- Are their sinful strongholds in your life that you have accepted in an expectation of ongoing defeat?
- Is there someone you love that needs salvation?
- Are you in the dark concerning God’s will for your life at this hour?
If one or more of these things are part of your present reality then I recommend that you consider the possibility that God is calling you to a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. Don’t let that thought overwhelm you. But don’t be underwhelmed by it either. Jesus assumed His followers would fast. He also promised results from doing so. Keep your trust simple in this area and take your Master at His word. He has something waiting for you.
Thank you pastor Jeff. I also use to fast weekly on Wednesdays, but for some reason stopped when retired. I know the power and discipline that comes with fasting, Need to start back.
Hey Jeff,
Fasting is something that I “used to do” regularly. I have not been as faithful to the discipline lately. In reading your thoughts I am encouraged to get back into the practice. Your words always encourage me.
Thanks