OUR COMMON FAITH - Fasting
by Pastor Ron Gatrelle

When we don’t understand something, we often just tend to ignore it. For many, biblical fasting is a neglected practice because we don’t see how going hungry and not eating can enhance us spiritually. The catch is that fasting is a scriptural directive (Luke 5:35), so we can’t afford to just ignore it in our spiritual lives.

The multitude of references in the Old and New Testaments about fasting prompted me to follow the biblical pattern and do it even though I didn’t understand it. I simply trusted that God understood all the whys and wherefores and obeyed. God said it and for me that settled it.

Having obeyed and fasted by faith in God’s directive word, I have learned through experience some of the benefits of fasting. First, it’s good for self discipline which is something we can all use more of. It adds emphasis to my prayers as a demonstration to God that I am serious. It works death in my body which somehow quickens life to my spirit. It makes me more thankful for the plenty I have and empathetic with the hungry of this world. Fasting has helped me in battling temptation and the forces of Satan.

Sometimes we need to be bold by stepping out in faith and doing what the Bible says whether we understand it all or not. Obeying God’s word by faith is one of the things that makes the Christian life so exciting and interesting. If you have never fasted, try it. You might start by missing just one or two meals, and God will show you why fasting is a part of our common faith.