Embracing the Seasons of Life: Finding God Through Fasting

Life is a tapestry of seasons, each one unique and fleeting. We find ourselves in periods of ease, intensity, and sometimes even excruciating difficulty. But no matter the season, there's an invitation to draw closer to God, to experience Him in new and profound ways.

One powerful method of connecting with God that has been practiced throughout biblical history is fasting. Often misunderstood or overlooked in modern times, fasting can be a transformative spiritual discipline when approached with the right heart and mindset.

Why Fast?

At its core, fasting is about putting God first. It's a tangible reminder that He is primary in all things, above every human function and desire. As Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy when tempted in the wilderness, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." This truth resonates deeply when we willingly set aside our physical needs to focus on our spiritual hunger.

Fasting also serves as a powerful tool to identify and break free from idolatry. In our modern world, idols rarely take the form of statues or graven images. Instead, they lurk in our smartphones, our ambitions, or even our relationships. Anything that we put ahead of God becomes an idol, and fasting can help us recognize and reorient these misplaced priorities.

There's also a beautiful aspect of solidarity in fasting. By voluntarily going without, we can identify with those who involuntarily lack. This empathy can fuel our prayers and actions on behalf of the hungry, the imprisoned, and the suffering around the world.

Finally, fasting often emerges from a place of desperation. When we've exhausted all other options, when we're crying out for a breakthrough, fasting becomes a physical manifestation of our spiritual urgency. It's a way of saying, "God, I need you more than I need food. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to see you move in this situation."

How to Fast

The beauty of fasting is that it can take many forms. While traditionally associated with abstaining from food, a fast can involve giving up anything that typically occupies our time or attention. The key is to replace that thing with focused time seeking God.

Some may choose to skip a single meal each week, dedicating that time to prayer instead. Others might embark on longer fasts, carefully preparing their bodies and seeking wisdom before doing so. Still others might fast from social media, entertainment, or other activities that tend to distract from their relationship with God.

Whatever form it takes, the heart of fasting is not about impressing others or earning God's favor. Jesus warned against fasting for show, instructing His followers to fast in secret, known only to God. The goal is humility, not pride; desperation for God, not self-righteousness.

Fasting in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of fasting in various contexts. Moses and Elijah both experienced supernatural 40-day fasts. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. In the early church, fasting was often associated with appointing leaders and sending out missionaries, as seen in the book of Acts.

One poignant example comes from the life of King David. When his child born from an adulterous relationship fell ill, David fasted and prayed desperately, throwing himself before God in repentance and pleading for mercy. Though the outcome wasn't what he hoped for, this story illustrates the raw, unfiltered nature of fasting as a spiritual cry to God.

The Heart of Fasting

As we consider incorporating fasting into our spiritual lives, it's crucial to remember that the practice itself is not the goal. Fasting is a means to an end – drawing closer to God, breaking free from sin and idolatry, and aligning our hearts with His will.

Fasting should be a humbling experience. It reminds us of our dependence on God and our own limitations. As we feel physical hunger or the ache of doing without something we enjoy, we're prompted to turn that longing toward God. "He is God, I am not" becomes a refrain that echoes in our hearts.

It's also a time of revelation. As we set aside distractions and focus intently on God, He often speaks to us in new ways. We may gain fresh insights into Scripture, receive guidance for difficult decisions, or simply experience a deeper sense of God's presence and love.

A Personal Invitation

Perhaps as you read this, you feel a stirring in your spirit. Maybe God is inviting you into a season of fasting, whether from food or something else that occupies too much space in your life. If so, approach this invitation with both excitement and reverence.

Begin by asking God for guidance. What should your fast look like? For how long? What specific purpose or prayer should be your focus? Be open to His leading, even if it challenges you.

Remember, fasting is not about earning God's love or impressing others. It's about creating space in your life for more of God. It's saying, "Lord, you are more important to me than anything else. I want to know you more deeply, hear your voice more clearly, and align my life more fully with your purposes."

As you fast, be prepared for challenges. Your body or mind may rebel against the deprivation. Use those moments of discomfort as prompts to pray, to refocus on why you're fasting, and to lean into God's strength.

Also, be expectant. While we can't manipulate God through fasting, we can position ourselves to receive from Him in powerful ways. Be open to what He wants to do in and through you during this time.

In a world that constantly clamors for our attention, fasting is a radical act of focus and devotion. It's a way of declaring that our hunger for God supersedes all other appetites. Whether you're in a season of ease or desperation, consider how fasting might deepen your relationship with God and realign your priorities.

As you contemplate this spiritual discipline, may you be encouraged by the words of Jesus: "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 6:17-18).

May your journey of fasting lead you into a richer, deeper, more transformative relationship with the God who loves you beyond measure.