In a culture that is all about making sure your needs are met, choosing to fast and deny yourself seems contrary to how we’re told to live. Yet, it also reminds us that this world is not our home. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him, which was just as counter-cultural then as it is now.
At its core, fasting is more than just abstaining from food. It’s a deliberate act of denying our physical needs to become more attuned to Christ. When we fast, we’re not just turning away from food or behaviors, but towards a deeper, closer relationship with God.
Fasting is about removing the distractions that pull us away from God. It’s a spiritual discipline that helps us become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. It also enables us to grasp God’s holiness more profoundly. When we fast, we intentionally set aside the clamor of our daily routines, creating space in our hearts and minds to focus solely on the Lord.
In Mark 8, we see Jesus’s call to deny ourselves and follow Him. Denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and choosing to follow Him are at the heart of fasting. It’s a choice to put aside something we desire, something that occupies our time and attention, and follow Jesus. This self-denial is a conscious choice to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. Though it will not be easy and may go against everything within our flesh, we can through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This year, as we practice fasting during Lent, let’s embrace this season as an opportunity to deepen our connection with Jesus. Let’s use this time to reflect on His sacrifice and love for us, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us and transform us. By denying ourselves, we open our hearts to understand the true cost of discipleship and the immeasurable love of Christ, who denied Himself for our sake.
I pray this season of Lent will be a time to truly understand and experience the power of fasting, drawing nearer to the heart of God, and embracing the fullness of life in Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Love God Greatly.