Thursday, April 15, 2010

Fasting

Fasting is a spiritual exercise that many people avoid. Jesus said we are to pick up our cross daily and follow him, but it is hard to think that could possibly entail giving up food. For some of us it is more difficult because of physical limitations, but we can all fast. A fast could mean eating only vegetables for a time. We could abstain from any and all sugars or even fast certain activities like watching television. There is, of course, the complete fast of drinking only water.

But why did Jesus call us to fast? Fasting reminds us that God is in control of our lives. When we are hungry and choose to pray instead of eat, we are telling God that he is more important to us than food. It makes us more conscious of God which results in our being more aware of his presence. Just as fasting cleanses our bodies from impurities, it reminds us to clean our spirits from worldly passions.

Jesus said our fasting should be like praying. It needs to be done in secret. Then God will reward us openly. What does he mean he will reward us openly? He will work through us. We will see God moving in our lives and in the lives of others through us. It is well worth the sacrifice. (Mathew 6:16-18)