Fasting is a spiritual discipline which is hard to master. I’ve participated in numerous fasts. Some were personal fasts; the majority were corporate fasts. With great fondness I recall the ones in which I felt like I was closer to God when I broke fast, but sadly, many of them only left me wondering what happened. After reflecting on this, I have come to the conclusion that the failure of my fasting is not an indication of God’s unwillingness to move on my behalf, but the result of my faulty perception of hunger. For years, I have seen hunger as my enemy when, in fact, it is my teacher.
In the past, I’ve always viewed hunger as the enemy in that it was the factor that tempted me to the big NO-NO of fasting–eating. Hunger was that painful gnawing in my stomach that cried for relief from the churning depths of my belly. Like an enemy, I would keep my eyes on it. My hunger was the main thought in my head. It’s desperate shrieking would drown out any and all spiritual revelation thereby robbing me of the epiphany that I needed. Although I knew that I should keep my attention on Jesus, I failed to do so because I felt threatened by the ever encroaching monster called hunger. However, when I began to see my hunger as a teacher, I accepted its role in my fast and became comfortable with its presence. The goal of a fast is not to rid oneself of hunger, but to embrace the lessons taught by hunger.
- When we fast for SPIRITUAL GROWTH, hunger teaches us that our passion for Christ should drive us as strongly to His side as hunger drives us to food.
- When we fast in REPENTANCE, hunger gives us a glimpse of the pain that God endures when we disobey Him.
- When we fast for HELP, hunger reminds us that we are completely dependent upon God for answers to our needs.
- When we fast for DELIVERANCE, hunger teaches us that nothing should have control over us save God Himself.
On the flipside, when we break fast and our hunger is satisfied we learn:
- That our passion for God’s presence will be fulfilled by His abiding Holy Spirit.
- That God’s forgiveness brings relief from the guilt of sin.
- That God provides for every need.
- That freedom is just around the bend.
Once we have a proper view of the role of hunger, then we shall find our fasts to be profitable and satisfying. We will anticipate an upcoming fast with expectant hope instead of looming dread.
Do you look forward to fasting? Why or why not?
This is a great explanation about fasting.. Personally it is helpful to me.. and it is directing me to pray with passion and well understanding.. now i have more confidant and also i know what will be the reflection from God..!!
Thank you very much Pastor Joseph..
It’s been great to work in the office with a prayer warrior like you, Kinglsy! God bless you, my friend.
Thank you Pastor Joseph. Because I knew you were fasting on Day of Atonement it made mine easier. And I love your observations on fasting. Here are a few of mine. When I got hungry, I knew the food was in the cupboard and refrigerator. I thought of Jesus in the desert and thanked Him. When I got thirsty, I did drink water and juices. I again thought of Jesus and wondered how He quenched His thirst. I thought of the temptations of the evil one to The Son of God and remembered that He overcame them by the Word. I thanked Him for His Word and did the same. Man and woman shall not live by bread alone….Going without bread for awhile makes us more appreciative of our daily bread AND The Bread of Life. I’m looking forward to my next fast. Thankful for Daily Bread, Jody
Very good insights! When we fast it allows us to experience empathy with Christ. He suffered many things that we also suffer on this earth, but there are some things that He suffered that we don’t normally unless we choose to participate in His sufferings. When we choose to fast and identify with Christ in His sufferings, we are then fulfilling Philippians 3:10.