THE GREATEST REWARD
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT)
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus talks about being careful with how we fast. He reminds us not to make a show of it or try to look miserable, so others notice. Fasting isn’t about impressing people—it’s something personal between us and God.
Interestingly, Jesus says, When you fast and not if you fast. Having been a Christian for more than 30 years and, probably not unlike many others, I’ve only fasted maybe a handful of times throughout my walk with the Lord. I typically wait for a prompting or conviction from the Holy Spirit, and to be honest, sometimes even then, I don’t do it because of logistics. For example, I may have just taken some meat from the freezer and purchased fresh mushrooms. I dislike letting food spoil and having to throw it away.
My routine can get in the way. There’s really no reason not to fast from time to time. I could plan it and set myself up for participating in something extraordinary with my Jesus. If I put other things ahead every time, where does that leave my relationship with God? I want to be able to fast and pray for breakthroughs—for myself, my estranged niece, my friend battling cancer, and many other situations.
Fasting is a way for me to create the time and space to implore the Lord, cry out to Him, praise Him, invite Him into my yuckiness, and open my eyes with expectations of His goodness while closing my eyes to the distractions of cooking, shopping, eating out and the expectations of pleasing my tastebuds. I’d so much rather please my Father—now THAT would be the greatest reward!
APPLICATION: Think about setting aside some time to fast. Just take a moment to reflect on what you want to bring before the Lord.
PRAYER: Father, help me bring my routine into a rhythm of spending more and more time with You. And let fasting be one of the ways. Show me how and guide me closer to You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?