When You Fast
Pastor Greg explains the power of fasting.
Devotionals from This Message
Five short reflections drawn from this message — Monday through Friday.
The Forgotten Foundation
Monday
'When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' - Matthew 6:16
In our modern Christian culture, we've become comfortable with certain spiritual practices while quietly setting others aside. We pray regularly, give generously, and attend church faithfully—but there's one discipline that many of us have relegated to the 'optional' category. Yet when Jesus spoke about spiritual practices, He didn't present fasting as a suggestion for the super-spiritual. He assumed it would be part of every believer's life.
Think about it: we wouldn't consider prayer optional, and we understand that giving is essential to our faith walk. But somehow, fasting has become the discipline we avoid or postpone indefinitely. Perhaps it's because fasting requires us to confront our physical desires head-on, revealing just how much we depend on immediate gratification.
The truth is, spiritual maturity isn't measured by how much we know about God, but by how much discipline we're willing to embrace for Him. Every area of growth in our lives—whether physical, emotional, or professional—requires discipline. Why would our spiritual lives be any different?
When we fast, we're making a powerful declaration: 'God, I want more of You than I want comfort. I'm willing to say no to my flesh so I can say yes to my spirit.' This isn't about earning God's favor—it's about positioning ourselves to receive what He's already wanting to give us.
It's a lost discipline in the body of Christ. Now. I think we've kind of shied away from a lot of disciplines in the body of Christ anyway, which is why we have baby Christians.
Reflect: What areas of your spiritual life have you treated as 'optional' rather than essential, and how might embracing discipline in these areas accelerate your spiritual growth?
Prayer: Father, help me to see fasting not as a burden but as a privilege—an opportunity to draw closer to You. Give me the courage to embrace the disciplines that will mature my faith and deepen my relationship with You. Amen.
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