Today is the day, Ash Wednesday–the beginning of lent. And for the next 40 days, there are over 3,000 of us fasting together. All of us fasting for something, and from something, in an act of surrender.
Fasting is a process of surrender. And it’s in the surrendering that the change comes. A surrender of what I want, what I like, and what I think I need. And it’s the deprivation that brings awareness. It turns me from my numbed business, and gnaws at me to remember. To remember and reflect how He suffered for me. And in the process I become reminded of how empty I am.
Fasting is a type of self-death. And it is not only about fasting from something, but dying to my self-absorbed perspective. It provides moments … daily moments, for me to turn from habits and indulgences, and in doing so provides moments instead, to press in to Him who is greater. To seek Him instead of my habit. To look to Him to fill the indulgence I long for.
And fasting often precedes something great.
Moses fasted and then God gave him the ten commandments.
King David fasted as He begged God for his son to live.
King Jehoshaphat fasted with the people for victory in battle.
And Jesus fasted before the beginning of His public ministry.
The one that would culminate in the most selfless act of all time: His death to self. Him willingly laying His deity down, and then resurrecting to life–conquering sin and death for all time, and shattering the power it held. All for you, and for me.
Fasting … A surrender. A death to self. For something great.
What a privilege to share in our Lord’s sufferings–to surrender, deny self, and run to Him.
As you begin this Lenten season, may your surrender of something you love and your death to self, lead you straight into His loving arms–into something great. And may you be strengthened and renewed, is my prayer.
What are you fasting from this Lenten season?
What are you believing God for?
beautiful, Jaque. I am still wrestling with what to let go of this Lent. A little late being that it begins today, I just have been too busy. I am looking forward to the slowing down, and self-reflection of this time, and of turning my face and heart more fully towards Christ. blessings, my friend!
As always your words move me. I am fasting from my only real habit/hobby/decompresser.. video games. I hope to seek him in his word when I need to unwind instead of my game. I’m beleiving and trusting him with our move and sale of our home. I’m very excited to start today!
Slowing and turning toward Him…late or not that is what it is all about! So glad you came by!
Thank you, friend…seeking Him will be so rewarding and it will be exciting to see what He will do!
I am fasting twitter. I know so many people consider that silly – but it was taking up MORE time than I was giving to Jesus.
Not silly at all friend…I’m so thankful for you!