Matthew 6:16
When you fast... whoa! This is Jesus talking and he said, "when" not "if" you fast. Can I see the hands of everyone who is looking forward to the 40 (40 hours of fasting each month)?
I don't like fasting but our Pastor is right. Have you ever noticed that our prayer meetings right after a fast hit a new level. It's like we conclude that we need God more than food! Then, it's God's heart to give us both himself AND food. Just starting into this 40? I have lived through every fast I have done. This passage doesn't say we have to like fasting.
Can I encourage you to take part? You will make it through this. Here are a couple of tips.
To Fast:
- Simply decide what foods and activities you are going to do without.
- Refuse to let those things have the importance they usually do. In my view this is really the key in fasting. Deprioritize them and prioritize God. Take the time you normally spend on those things, consider what is important to God and pray for those things.
- It's OK to look forward to the end of the fast but push through to the victory like the Giants in the Super Bowl. There is a REWARD! (Note verse 18).
- Celebrate with your fellow fasters at the BREAK - fast meal and prayer time.
For me, that's what makes the 40 worthwhile. Can YOU do it? Of course you can.
