Whitney (page 164-165) in his book,Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life, taught me that Fasting as a Christian Discipline is for a purpose. Thanks to Whitney, it is clear in my mind that it is never to impress God or gain His Favor. I can not impress God. Jesus did all the impressing that is necessary. I already have God’s favor and cannot scheme against Him to get my way. I also can’t Fast on my own power. A book on Christian Disciplines is a blessing in disguise. It made me cringe at the thought of needing it, but it was a blessing after I started reading it.
Do I try to Ignore Stuff?
Yes, but I shouldn’t. God has called me to a Fast a few times in my life, for His purpose as He was teaching me something. Once, He even called me to Fast TV, electronic games and snacking. I was learning to hear Him better and Focus on Jesus. I had not realized it, but I was using TV, games and snacks to comfort myself and had not been honestly praying about some concerns that I was trying to ignore. God used that Fast to teach me to come to Him for comfort.
I have even fasted a few times to know God better and to hear Him better when making an important decision. Each time I did a Fast, it was personal between God and myself. I knew He did not want me to make the Fast a big deal and discuss it with other people. I also knew He wanted me to use wisdom and not Fast in an unhealthy way.
Do I Want to Fit in?
Of course I do. I have learned the hard way, that I need to follow Jesus, not friends. It is great to fit in. However, I need to have my priorities straight. If someone wants me to Fast with them for a purpose, I pray about it. I learned that I can only Fast if God is walking with me through it.
Focus on God
Holy Father of Love, please sanctify me with Your Holiness through Jesus the Christ. Help me stay focused on Jesus. Help me as He leads me through any and all Spiritual Disciplines that I am called to apply. Thank You for Your Mercy, Grace and Patience! Amen.