Are you hungry for God? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our (Re)Formation series with a message about fasting.
Matthew 6:17-18
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Fasting is a choice to deny myself something good (food) in order to focus on something better (God). Most Christians in most places in most times have prioritized fasting. Why?
1) Fasting gives me FOCUS.
Fasting nurtures my appetite for God above other appetites in my life. It helps me focus on what God is saying and doing in my life and world.
2) Fasting reminds me of my FRAGILITY.
When we are denied something as small and commonplace as food, we are reminded of our weakness and dependence on God’s faithfulness.
3) Fasting helps me heed God’s GUIDANCE.
When we sense we have arrived at an inflection point, we choose to fast because it sharpens our spiritual senses.
4) Fasting is a way of embodying REPENTANCE.
When I need to turn to God and grieve for sin, fasting is a way of experiencing that in my body, emotions and spirit.
5) Fasting shows SOLIDARITY in pain.
Jesus assumes his disciples will fast simply because the world is filled with pain and brokenness. It is good to fast in solidarity with those who are suffering, and to pray for help and relief from their pain.
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS WE HAVE A REASON TO FAST.
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS WE HAVE A REASON TO FEAST.
Just as the sin and brokenness of our world calls us to fast, the rescuing love of God is a reason to feast. Both practices strengthen our sense of God at work in our world!
