The Feast of Fasting
“Feast or famine” is a popular phrase to describe the highs and lows of our lives. It implies we are either on top or struggling at the bottom. One is good, the other not so much. That is the world’s view.
The last few weeks we have learned a lot about fasting – it is doing without food (or something the Lord has put on your heart to give up). It is a way of praying with our bodies. It is not a period of famine. It is not a period of deprivation or deficiency. It is, in fact, a time for feasting.
While we fast, we are actually leaning into Jesus and feasting on Jesus. Because we are using the direct sustenance of God, we are not only strengthening our relationship with Jesus but taking on the character and power of Jesus. This is not deprivation. This is feasting!
So, what does God want me to do with this revelation? I have always thought of fasting as doing without (deprivation). To think of fasting as a way of feasting is not an easy change of mind set. Yet, taking on the character and power of Jesus, strengthening my relationship with Jesus, and utilizing another way to seek the kingdom of God is quite motivating and inviting. It makes fasting sound, (dare I say it?), appealing.
Hmmm. I’m going to have to salivate on this a minute. Or two. When Kyle said he was preaching on fasting for six weeks, I did not think there would be enough material to pull it off. Nor did I think it would keep my attention. Yet, it took all of the six weeks for the whole idea of fasting to finally become something I want to do and not just something I should do. I can now look forward to the “feast of fasting.”
-Terri
Terri Venetta lives in Johnston where she enjoys gardening, canning, antiques, watercolors, wool rug hooking, reading and, most of all, her grandchildren
