Hi. 

Last week, as I stood before the group of girls I love so much—Women of Passion—I told them that I was going to challenge them to fast.  When?  Wednesday, May 6.  Why?  Not a deeply spiritual reason, but a very vital one to the people of our state; I challenged them to fast over their lunchtime for rain.  (that is, forego a meal, and spend time in prayer, asking God to send us rain)  Mind you, there was no rain listed in our 10-day California forecast at that time, but now weathercasters have actually said we might get a little precipitation.  Interesting.  Folks, our state will be desperate from wildfires in the summer and early Fall months, if we do not get rain—not to mention our many agricultural crops, and way down the list of priorities, personal usage.

The Jewish people of Jesus’ day were only required to fast on the annual Day of Atonement, however the Pharisees (the ultra pious Jews) of Jesus’ day fasted each Monday and Thursday.¹  They did so in such a way, that everyone knew they were fasting.

Which is why Jesus said, “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.  6.16-18

Fasting is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, and is meant to be a way of knocking on Heaven’s door with urgency, whilst practicing self control and containing our appetite.  I have not fasted for extended lengths of time, but I do have a bright tee shirt that has the word “FASTING” in bold letters across the front, so no one will offer me a cookie.  Kidding!  Fasting is meant to be a humble act on our part, with the intent to connect with our all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing God, not at all to draw attention to ourselves.

Fasting is not commanded in the Bible; however, I believe the only reason Christian folks do not fast is because they do not understand the how and why.  I mean, why would we refrain from the simple, humble activity if it increases our chances of seeing the mighty hand of God move?  In most cases, fasting is a private matter between God and us, but then on the other hand, one of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is not a private circumstance at all.  But it is about desperate need, fasting and prayer, miraculous response by God.  Check out the strong spiritual leadership of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, verses 1 through 31.

I just love this story: Huge need.  Leader calls for prayer and fasting—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”² God heard and answered by giving the people a message, and with their obedience, he answered their prayers.

Fasting requires self discipline; it requires self control, and for that reason alone, it is a worthwhile endeavor.  We live in a time, at least in the Western Hemisphere, where most folks deny themselves very little, so to do so—with a spiritual endeavor in mind--is indeed valuable.  In what area of your life do you need to see breakthrough?  Perhaps you ought consider fasting along with praying.

In the gospel of Mark, some of the disciples came to Jesus and asked why they could not cast a demon out of a boy, to which Jesus replied, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."³   Hmmm . . . and so I ask myself--what is there, who is there—for whom I have been praying, where the answer can only be realized with the addition of fasting to the prayer?

Californians—join me in a lunch-time fast and prayer time that our land will see rain.  And to my many other dear readers across the world, think of some area in which you need to see breakthrough, and give up your lunch-time and pray … go ahead and join me, I dare you!

1 – Warren Wiersbe, New Testament Bible Commentary

2 – 2 Chronicles 20.12

3 – Mark 9.29