Fasting

Written by: Matt, Director of Care and Counseling

For me, fasting is one of those things I know I should do, that I’ve felt called to do, and at times, that I would even like to do. But actually, fasting seems so daunting that it’s usually easier to push those thoughts out of my mind and do some other spiritual discipline, like reading my Bible… while eating a bowl of Cheez-Its.

I’m not sure if you can relate, but fasting has always been a challenge for me. The mental gymnastics my brain does at just the thought of fasting makes this a spiritual discipline that I tend to keep at arm’s length.

So what do I mean by fasting? There are lots of ways people use the word, but for the purposes of this article, I mean abstaining from food for a period of time. When I fast, which is less often than I would like to admit, I drink water and black coffee. (The coffee addiction is on the personal growth list too.)

But if fasting is so hard, why should we do it?

For starters, Jesus seems to assume that his followers will fast. In Matthew 6:16-18, he gives instructions about how to fast. In Matthew 9:14-15, when John’s disciples ask why his disciples do not fast, Jesus explains that there will come a time when they will. Fasting isn't some advanced spiritual discipline for the really serious Christians. It is part of following Jesus.

But why? What is fasting actually accomplishing?

Fasting is, at its heart, an act of dependence. We regularly satisfy our hunger without giving much thought to it. When we intentionally go without food, that hunger becomes a physical reminder that we are dependent upon someone greater than ourselves.

That is why fasting and prayer so often go together in Scripture. We use the hunger we feel to turn our attention toward God. We call on him, ask him to work, and acknowledge that we cannot accomplish what only he can do.

I don’t want to suggest that fasting is some sort of spiritual good luck charm. If I fast, God does not owe me the answer I want. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God. And while part of fasting is calling on God and asking him to change our circumstances, I think it is even more likely that God will use fasting to change our hearts.

On Wednesday, October 7, Gateway Church’s Session has called for a congregational day of prayer and fasting. The purpose of this day is to pray for purity and unity within our church.

I hope you’ll consider joining us. You might skip one meal, several meals, or fast for the entire day. The goal isn't to see who can go the longest or to prove how spiritually disciplined we are. The goal is to turn our attention toward God together, to pray for Gateway, for our church family, and for ourselves.

The North Main Campus Worship Center will be open from 6:00am to 6:00pm that day for anyone who would like a place to pray. I’ll be there during those hours as well.

Fasting may be an often unused spiritual muscle for many of us. I know it is for me. But the best way to strengthen a spiritual muscle is simply to start using it.

I hope you’ll join me on Wednesday, October 7, as we pray and fast together, asking God to work in our church, in our circumstances, and most importantly, in our hearts.