Matthew 6:16 – WHEN YE FAST
Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
Is fasting a part of your Christian walk? In this passage, Christ is commanding us how we are supposed to fast. Fasting is not something you do when you want others to see how spiritual you are. Fasting is something you do so that God can be glorified through you. Fasting is a choice that you should make so that you can put away the distractions of this world so that you can hear the still small voice of God even better.
As you go about your Christian walk, the world will throw many distractions at you. If you are not careful, you can quickly be distracted with day to day living that you fail to see what God desires you to do. Fasting is an opportunity that you have to install as a part of your Christian walk so that you can put aside the things of this world and say yes to the things of God.
However, if you choose to fast, you need to do so in such a way that you bring as little attention to yourself as possible. There are those who fast and make sure those around them know what they are doing so that people will believe they are more spiritual then they are. Jesus tells us that they have their reward, the praises of man which last for only a season.
When we add temperance to our life, we open the doors for God to bless us in new and exciting ways. When we take control over our physical urges to eat and set this time aside for God, God is able to bless us in ways that we never imagined.
Scripture shows us that Moses receive the law from God during a time of fasting for 40 days up on the mountain. Elijah received direction for his life during a time of fasting for 40 days. Daniel received the dream and its interpretation during a time of fasting.
Christ anticipated that fasting would be a part of your spiritual growth. Christ did not tell us how to fast if we choose to do so, instead, he instructed us how to fast when we do so. In order to add temperance to your life, you must say no to the things of this world. If you only knew the treasures that God has in store for you if you would only abstain from the pleasures of this world for a season.
Would you be willing to fast for one week if you knew that during the week long fast, God would speak to you and show you what you are supposed to do over the next five years? Just because you fast, it does not mean that God is going to reveal HIMSELF to you the way you desire, but the odds greatly increase that God will hear your cries and HE will bring you the direction that you desire.
God desires that you set aside time to draw closer to HIM so that you learn to hear HIS still small voice. One of the reasons you feel so lost may be because you are not spending the time drawing closer to HIM so that you learn to hear HIS still small voice.
Remember, it is important that you not only obey the commands of Christ and fast, but it is important that you do it with the right motives so that God can be glorified. It is time that you call yourself to a fast so that God can reveal HIMSELF to you. Maybe you need to fast for a day, or a week, or even 40 days. Let God speak to you during your next fast.