A “FAST” Way to Know God

General Hospital…Caffeine…Snacking…An Hour of Sleep…A Computer…Criticalness…A Cell Phone…Cartoons…What do all these things have in common?  These are just some of the things we’re fasting from as our church family prepares to CELEBRATE Easter on April 12th.  Easter is when we celebrate what the apostle Paul called that which is of “First Importance”–the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Fasting.  Jesus modeled it and taught it.  The apostles practiced it.  The early church regularly engaged in it.  And Jesus followers have lived it out for centuries.  But it’s important to know what fasting is…and isn’t.

Fasting isn’t penance– It isn’t a way to somehow pay for our sins.  Or an attempt to get God to pay attention to us.  Or a way to show God that “now we’re serious” about knowing Him and experiencing Him.

Fasting is giving something up in order to get something better.  Christian fasting is choosing to give something up (good or bad) in order to have closer intimacy with God.  When someone fasts, it causes them to be reminded to pray, to consider what they’re fasting from, and to tune themselves into what God is communicating.  Sometimes it involves moments of silent contemplation.  Sometimes it’s a quick reminder that He is always there, seeking relationship and connection.  Other times it’s a reminder that His strength is always present, His promises are true and He is “the better thing” described in Luke 10:42.

Would you be willing to give something up in order to know God better?  Would you be willing to do what Jesus did?  The apostles did?  What the Jesus followers for centuries have done?  Is knowing Him better worth it?  Why don’t you try it and find out!