When you fast

When you fast

Scripture: When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others 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

Observation: Continuing along the Sermon of the Mount, our Lord now teaches on the area of fasting. Firstly, the Lord says “when you fast” not “if you fast”, indicating that He expects His disciples to fast. For many of us, fasting is a very difficult thing, as no one likes to be hungry. However, if we are to be obedient to the Lord, we must inculcate regular fasting as part of our Christian lives as the Spirit leads us.

Then, our Lord goes on to instruct that fasting is not for other people to see. If you disfigure your face with the intention of showing others how holy you are, the whole purpose is defeated. Fasting instead is a deeply personal and private thing, between a person and God. We are fasting unto our Father in Heaven, to seek His will, His blessing, and His favor.

Thirdly, fasting comes with a reward from our Heavenly Father. We do not know the precise nature of how our Father will reward us, but we can trust that He always honors His Word, and His rewards are always good and perfect. It could be a fresh revelation, a breakthrough in our walk with God, a sudden blessing in the workplace. Our part is to fast, and leave it to our Abba Father to reward as He sees fit.

Application: Resolve to set aside a specific time to fast unto our Father in Heaven. It could be a meal a week, a full-day fast, or a consecutive fast for several days. Pray and let the Lord lead us to the right fast. Thank God for the reward that He has promised us. Then fast, and see what our Heavenly Father may speak to us or show us.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. Teach me O Lord, to fast according to Your will for this pleases You. Teach me to incline my ear and heart, even as I fast, to hear Your will and purpose even for this time and season. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the generous rewards that You give us, which are always good and perfect! Blessed be Your holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.