21 Day Fast – Week 1
Of all the spiritual disciplines in the Bible, fasting is probably the least understood. Worship–we can do that because it’s easy to extol the merits of God. Prayer–we can do that, too. Spending time talking with God can be the best part of the day.
But fasting? Fasting takes a lot of self-denial and discipline. It makes us uncomfortable because it does not come easily. In a culture that promotes abundance and indulgence, it’s hard to imagine purposely denying self of something that makes it feel good.
But fasting is good—and it is doable. It helps us lean into God for our comforts. It helps us depend on him for our sustenance. Fasting clears the noise from our lives so we can more clearly hear God.
Fasting is simply abstaining from something you are used to ingesting. It could be a fast from food, or meat, or desert. But fasting can also be abstaining from something that takes your time or focus away from God without benefiting you or others. You could choose to fast from television, or social media. You can abstain from YouTube or Netflix.
By joining with the church for a 21-day fast, we will clear our heads and our vision of all the things that are getting in the way of our relationship with Jesus. We will be able to see, as a congregation, the big things God wants to do in our community.
Abstaining from ingesting something isn’t the completion of a fast—it’s just the beginning. A fast is also about drawing nearer to God. The point is to abstain from something and instead of spending your time doing that thing, you spend that time in prayer, meditating on the Word, and listening to God.
Here is what you can expect in this first week of your fast.
On day one and maybe even day two, you will feel like you are on top of the world. You’ll be excited and feel strong because you are acting in obedience to God.
If you are fasting from food, you will have an intense craving for the very thing you have given up on day two or three. When this happens, drink water and do something to distract yourself like taking a walk around your neighborhood to contemplate God’s creation or pray for your neighbors.
Next you might start feeling cranky or anxious (no matter what you are abstaining from). This is common, and it doesn’t mean you are a failure. It just means you have to persevere and lean into God to sustain you. Remember, the enemy doesn’t want you to succeed, but take heart–God will enable you!
Finally, you will start to be encouraged and excited about what God is doing. Your spirit will soar as the Holy Spirit is freed to do God’s work in your life.
To get through your fast, remember these tips:
If you are fasting from food, get plenty of rest and drink an abundance of water. Staying hydrated will keep you from feeling sick.
Avoid caffeine. It will only make you dehydrated and jittery.
Be patient with your moods. Breaking free from your comfort is not easy. Your body will fight it, and the devil will do all he can to distract you from your desire to be closer to God. Be persistent!
Rely on scripture to sustain you. Memorize passages that inspire you. This will keep your heart and your head focused on God instead of what is missing in your life.
Keep a journal so you can record all the things God is speaking to you.
You can do this!
We can’t wait to hear your stories of how you are Living Jesus, Loving Well, and Believing Big during this church-wide call to fasting.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Tell us what you’re fasting in the comments section below. Let’s encourage one another in this journey!