Fasting That Satisifies

Fasting is one of more difficult disciplines in the Christian walk, but one of the most rewarding. While fasting is simply abstaining for a short period of time, namely from food, but very challenging because we live in a food driven culture. How many times did I wanted to start out fasting but there was team potluck at work? Or there was some special sale on baked goods? Or someone offered me something to eat and I just couldn't refuse?

My point is that the moment you fast, every appetite of the human body will scream. The flesh doesn't like to die so easily but as you maintain the fast, the Spirit of God infuses you with supernatural strength. Your spiritual eyes become clearer and your mind more attuned to His voice.

It's the pushing through the hunger for a deep hunger for Christ that fuels the passion to fast. Let me stop here to say I'm not speaking of those who do extreme fasts that endanger the body or try to reach some mystical high. Rather the fast I speak about comes from a heart cry, "I'm willing to do without, just to have more of You in my life. Though my stomach growls and I feel weak, I want to know something of Your power and glory in my life. It's got to be Jesus and Jesus alone!"

And perhaps this is what fasting will do for us in the end. It makes us desperate for God's supernatural power to be seen in the ordinary and the mundane. To once again have God's testimony restored in our lives that will demonstrate to those around us that God is indeed alive and mighty.

Think of Esther who fasted three days before entering into the forbidden throne room (Esther 4:16). Daniel fasted to maintain his purity by not eating the king's choice meat (often dedicated to gods)(Daniel 1:8, 12).

Beloved, we live in desperate times and we need the outpouring of His Spirit. When we abstain and pour out our hearts, God comes with bread from heaven that truly satisfies us. Perhaps, after the fast, we may never return to junk food, sweets, candy and other foolish "foods" that left us empty and hungry.