When You Fast...

When Jesus was teaching His disciples about prayer in Matthew chapter 6, He followed the passage we call "The Lord's Prayer" with this statement:  "Moreover, when you fast..." (v.16).  It was understood that prayer would be coupled with times of fasting in our lives and that there would be a "reward" that follows.  These verses don't say what the "reward" is, just that it will be given.  The promise of reward is one that can give us encouragement on those days when the fast is more challenging than others.

I read an article in the paper today about fasting during the season of Lent.  The point of the article was to find ways to eat and enjoy yourself (with some special foods) even when giving meat up for Lent.  I was a bit saddened by the tenor of the article because the author seemed to miss the point of fasting.

Fasting is a time to deny our flesh for the purpose of re-focusing our hearts and minds on the Lord - His sacrifice and His promise.  To indulge (or over indulge) our flesh in another area to make the fast more palatable is just a change of diet--not a spiritual journey/experience with the Lord.

Fasting is a battleground.  It is where we fight in the heavenly realm for the lost.  It is where we seek the Lord's intervention for our families, our healing, our need.  It is where we learn to persevere.  And, when the dust settles we see the victory.  It may be afar off, but it is assured.

So, if during your time of fasting things get difficult, don't be surprised; it is a battle after all.  Position yourself for victory and build your faith by more time in worship and prayer in the Spirit.  Then, "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" (2 Chron. 20:17).