Fasting – Lent Day 10

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.  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 6:16-18                                                                                                                                                 

Fasting is willful refrainment from eating for a period of time.

The word, “fasting” has been enigma to me.  The word sounds like speeding up, yet it’s meaning is just the opposite. Slowing down for a purpose.

Fasting….slowing down…fasting…s  l  o  w  i  n  g   d   o   w   n…   Coming to a stop! ! !

OK, we have stopped.  Now what?

Fasting is not so much about what you do, but how you do it.  Anyone can fast, that is, refrain from something, food most likely.  A fast can be accomplished with no food or drink or perhaps only missing a few hours of eating.  Fasting might cause extreme hunger or perhaps a brief time of leaving the table.

OK Ken, you said fasting was more about how I do it?  Yes…when you fast, it’s not done as a group activity.  Fasting is done, only to your Father, who is unseen…   We fast as a covenant between ourselves and God, and we fast in secret.  Also, fasting is not an If, but rather a When.

Only to your Father…

Fasting

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