Day 9: Fasting Part 1 - Food

I'm going to be talking about fasting for a couple days. In the meantime, feel free to add any thoughts you have about my question from Monday (Day 8: Quick Cash). I'll follow up with another post on money soon.
---

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3)

Fasting is a spiritual disciple that we see throughout the Bible. Fasting is abstaining from food (and sometimes drink) for a period of time. This is typically done for either traditional or spiritual purpose, and is not unique to Christianity alone. Sometimes fasts are from specific types of food instead of just abstaining from particular foods, like taking a period of time to not eat meats which is common during Lent, for example.

If there was a spiritual disciple which might have been swept under the rug in Americanized Christianity, I'd say it's fasting. We certainly like to eat, and the idea of skipping a meal or several meals gets mixed reactions. Instead of developing an attitude to fast when it is appropriate, it has become somewhat of a "spiritually trendy" thing to do instead of something practical.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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, NIV)

But obviously, a discipline which is to be done in secret is not really a trendy thing to do. Fasting is not meant to bring glory to ourselves, and I'm afraid this is the big temptation when fasting. The temptation is to say "Look what I'm doing for God!"

In the Bible, we see a lot of fasting is done in preparation. Even Jesus fasted (for forty days!) as he prepared for his ministry. Putting aside food for a time can help serve as a reminder of what we are here for (not for food!) and surrender extra time to spend in reflection and prayer. It is a discipline which develops the habit of not relying on the things of this earth, but on God alone.

Now here's my disclaimer for healthy purposes: fasting from food for forty days is kind of a big deal. If your going to fast for an extended period of time, I recommend checking it out with a doctor first (and maybe start smaller!).

Fasting continues tomorrow.