What comes to mind when you think of the word fasting? For most of us, we think of it as not eating or drinking. However, during the season of Lent, there is much more involved in fasting.
Fasting during Lent means giving up something that won’t be easy to give up. It is something that tempts you, something that you will struggle to say no to, something that you will have to rely on God to help you fast from. That is the point of fasting – to bring you closer to God through prayer; to humble yourself during the struggle and admit that you can’t do it without Him.
What you choose to fast from can also be something that takes your time and attention away from God or His Word. Perhaps you spend too much time on Facebook and leave too little time to spend with Go? Maybe it’s even something that’s healthy, like going to the gym, but if you are choosing the gym over time with God then it is worth fasting from.
“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.” – Matthew 6:17-19
Fasting is a very personal journey, one between you and God. Pray and ask God to show you what you need to fast from. It may surprise you. Then humble yourself before Him, relying on Him fully, and spend your time in prayer.
Lord, I humble myself before You and ask that You reveal to me what I need to fast from. Show me what takes my attention away. Show me my true struggles. My strength comes from You. Be my strength when temptation comes. Help me make time with You a priority. Amen.
Raelyn Pracht 