Time spent fasting helps us grow in our relationship with the Lord. Through fasting, we can see the gifts God has given us and His purpose for us.

Personal sacrifice is a part of the Christian faith. While making a sacrifice is not easy, it can remind us of what is really important. Heaven is our true home and everything we give up on earth is temporary compared to eternity. Missionary Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This is true of fasting as well. Our time of fasting can help us to better understand that everything from God is a gift to us. It can help us understand what purpose God has for us. Pastor and author Andrew Petiprin discusses what he has learned about fasting.

Every day we have the choice to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. The Lord does not force His children to obey Him; rather He longs for us to choose His ways over our own desires. When we fast - whether it is from food, or an activity, or an item - we move into a deeper relationship with Jesus. God shows us opportunities for the furthering of His kingdom. He shows us His desire, His purpose for our lives.

Apply

• Would you consider giving up something to be drawn into a deeper relationship with God? What might that be?
• Are you willing to act on what God shows you?

James 1:17

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 5:2

2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Romans 12:1-2

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.