Day 8

The first year I decided to take part in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, I did the Daniel Fast with some friends from a church small group. Although I knew it would be challenging I was excited and eager to see my relation with God grow. Within a week of the fast the accountability was in full swing. There was pictures of food labels being sent in messages to make sure certain foods were safe to eat, and whenever we were around each other we talked about the foods we missed as if it had been years since we last tasted them. It was safe to say we were missing the point of fasting.

Luckily for us though we also did a Daily Devotion along with the fast, and the devotion shared Matthew 6:16-18:  “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 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.”

This scripture transformed the way I looked at fasting. Now when fasting comes around I work on making it a special thing between God and myself. On top of fasting something physical like food I also work on diving deeper into God’s word. I have found that not only does this strengthen your relationship with God, but it turns God into an accountability partner. Whenever I am faced with temptation during my time of fasting or even outside of fasting I turn to scripture to help keep me strong. So as we dive into this season of fasting remember that it’s not as much about what you are going without as it is as what God is doing inside.

Mark Browning

Song: Always Loved Me
Artist: Iron Bell Music