Introductory Thought:
“Christian fasting is a believer’s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes. Other types of fasting; despite the benefits they may produce for the mind and body could not be classified as Christian fasting, and fasting by a non Christian obtains no eternal value… And fasting is more than just the ultimate crash diet for the body; it is abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.”
– Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
My Response:
Fasting is a discipline that I am unfamiliar with. In the past I have never felt the “need” to fast. I am a very health oriented person and abstaining from food seemed unhealthy and unnecessary, especially when doing intense workouts most days.
I don’t completely agree with the quote above; possibly I just don’t quite understand what Whitney means. He says that types of fasting (other than fasting from food) could not be classified as Christian fasting and thus has no eternal value. My first question then is what can be classified as Christian fasting? I can see how many types of fasting could have eternal value. I have fasted from technology and I do believe it had eternal value. I was less tempted to waste time and more inclined to pray and meditate on God.
It says in the Shepherd of Hermas: “But fast thou [unto God] such a fast as this; do no wickedness in thy life, and serve the Lord with a pure heart; observe His commandments and walk in His ordinances, and let no evil desire rise up in thy heart; but believe God. Then, if thou shalt do these things, and fear Him, and control thyself from every evil deed, thou shalt live unto God; and if thou do these things, thou shalt accomplish a great fast, and one acceptable to God.” According to this passage fasting from food is not the only acceptable fast in God’s eyes.
Although I am very unfamiliar with fasting it is a discipline practiced throughout scripture. When faced with a decision, when seeking an answer from God, when grievous news arrived, men from scripture fasted. Although I don’t believe fasting increase one’s favor with the Lord I do believe fasting shows a great commitment to the Lord. It shows a willingness to face physical discomfort (even suffering) so that the Lord might take greater notice and realize one’s dedication.
I would very much like to fast during this trip. Although I have never fasted from food before I can see how it would have spiritual benefits. As I’ve been here these past weeks I have been much more hungry than I would be at home. Meals are smaller and farther between. But being hungry comes with benefits. As I physically grow hungry I am reminded of my spiritual hunger that can only be quenched by Jesus.
Jesus was lead by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness at the onset of His ministry to fast for forty days. During that time He had to have relied on God for His nourishment. Although He became hungry His Spirit was assuredly strengthened. When the Devil came to tempt Jesus, Jesus was able to stand firm and resist because His Spirit was strengthened. Jesus even quoted Scripture saying: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” Food is of some value for life. But compared to knowing God it is of no value for life.
In the first several chapters of the Gospel of John Jesus says a few things that relate to this. In John 4 Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again. He is the water. Whoever drinks of Jesus will never spiritually thirst again. Then again in John 6 Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
What does this practically mean? It means that Jesus is the source of all nourishment. I do not need food to feel satisfied. I can feel satisfied in Jesus. I believe that one experiences deeper satisfaction in Jesus when relying on Him for strength. So it is hypocritical that I feel that I need food. During the remaining 8 months of this trip I want to fast for a day at least once a month. It will definitely be hard but I believe that in so doing I will experience Jesus as my nourishment in a much deeper way. And even when I’m not fasting I will train myself to find satisfaction and nourishment in Jesus when I feel hunger.
