Fasting Challenge

For most of my life, I regarded fasting (Abstaining from something, usually food, for a certain period of time, for spiritual purposes) as something that only super-religious people did. For the rest of us, it was optional.


(Yes, that's right. Even though I'm a pastor, I've never actually considered myself among the "super religious.)


It's only recently that I've discovered that Jesus placed fasting on the same level as financial stewardship and prayer.  

What would happen in our church if we cut out financial stewardship? Prayer? So why do we so seldom practice fasting, thus robbing ourselves of God’s blessings?

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. ¹⁷But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so 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

This year, I'm inviting - even challenging - our church to join me in a four-week season of fasting as we prepare for Easter.

The good news is that fasting doesn't have to be "all or nothing." You can choose to fast for a day, for one meal a day, or just to fast from one particular kind of food for the next four weeks. It's really between you and God!

But I'm convinced of this: If you'll join me in this season of fasting, God will bless you, and our church, in ways we can only imagine.

Click HERE to download "A Guide to Fasting" I wrote to help you get started.  

 By the way, I'm fasting from sugar and caffeine throughout Lent, as well as some other partial fasts along the way. Please let me know if you're joining me, and how you're doing.