On Jan. 1, Calvary Assembly of God began its annual church wide 40 day fast. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on the practice of fasting.

There are two main categories of spiritual disciplines - disciplines of engaging and disciplines of abstaining. The practice of fasting is a discipline of abstaining.

Fasting can be defined as “the voluntary abstention from an otherwise normal function - most often eating - for the sake of intense spiritual activity.” (from the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible)

Right before Jesus launched into his 3 years of intense ministry, He spent 40 days fasting in the desert. This example alone gives us a hint at the vital spiritual importance of the practice of fasting.

In our modern world of self gratification, fasting can seem like an out of date practice. However, it is in such a culture that we need the discipline of fasting, which, among other fruits, cultivates the fruit of self-control, all the more.

Throughout the Bible, men and women of God fasted as a means to connecting with God on a deeper level.

Biblical fasting always centers on spiritual purposes (as opposed to purposes of gaining power or recognition as with a hunger strike). And it is not simply a “spiritual diet plan”.

Fasting is an act of worship and should always be done with God at the center.

John Wesley said, “First, let it be done unto the Lord with our eyes singly fixed on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in Heaven.”

Fasting helps to reveal the things that control us. Richard Foster states that “we cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface.”

Fasting also reminds us who sustains us and who takes care of us. God is our sustainer and in fasting we embrace the fact that He is our true source of life!

Marjorie Thompson writes in Soul Feast, “In a more tangible, visceral way than any other spiritual discipline, fasting reveals our excessive attachments and the assumptions that lie behind them. Food is necessary to life, but we have made it more necessary than God. How often have we neglected to remember God’s presence when we would never consider neglecting to eat! Fasting brings us face to face with how we put the material world ahead of its spiritual source.”

She continues, “Perhaps we can see, then, that the discipline of fasting has to do with the critical dynamic of accepting those limits which are life-restoring. Our culture would seduce us into believing that we can have it all, do it all, and (even more preposterous!) that we deserve it all. Yet in refusing to accept limits on our consumption or activity, we perpetuate a death-dealing dynamic in the world. That is why the discipline of fasting is so profoundly important today.”

God has given us the practice of fasting as an opportunity to experience Him more fully. He invites us to participate in this ancient discipline and He will surely be there with us as we do.

Tips for Fasting:

Fasting normally involves abstaining from food, but it is not limited to just that. Feel free to fast other things such as tv, internet, coffee, shopping, etc. Ask God if he is directing you to fast a particular thing in your life.

If you are fasting food, be prepared for the hunger pains, but resolve to not give in to them. Our bodies have been conditioned over the years to signal us at certain times of the day, but don’t let the stomach win! Our stomachs can often act like “spoiled children” that simply need to be disciplined, after a while the hunger pains will subside.

Journal throughout your fast. This can help us keep the focus on God. It can also help us to see below the surface and past the discomfort of the fast.

When fasting, go about your normal life. Jesus warned us to not make a big show of our fasting, if we do then we lose out on what God would like to do in us. If you are fasting food for an extended period of time, you may need to adjust your level of activities (anything that will expend excessive energy) but try to just go about your day as usual.

If you’re fasting food, don’t go grocery shopping when you’re in the middle of your fast!

Questions to Reflect on While Fasting:

(taken from the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook)

• When you feel empty or restless, what do you do to try to fill the emptiness? What does this tell about your heart?
• What is your attitude toward fasting or self-denial?
• What has / is the experience of fasting been like for you?
• Where do you operate from an entitlement mentality? How can you wean yourself from this way of life?

Some Suggested Reading on the Practice of Fasting:

Lastly, I invite you to share your thoughts and questions on fasting in the comments. May God bless and use the sacrifice that you bring to Him during this fast and as you deny and lose yourself for Him may you truly find life!

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