a Lent Devotion by Dave Wolfgang 

Many Christians approach Lent considering that they must give up something.  Surrendering something to remind us of the upcoming Easter Season can be important for enriching our faith journey.  A discipline that you may want to consider is one that goes back for years and years but is seldom practiced today, that is fasting. Please ponder these Scriptures today.   

Joel 2:12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (NIV) 

Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (NIV) 

For those that are familiar with the history of John Wesley may know that for many years he practiced the discipline of fasting for 30 hours each week.  His fast lasted from Thursday afternoon through Friday at supper time.  The rationale was to mimic a time to remind the observer of the Last Supper, the trial, and Crucifixion of Our Lord.  From time to time, youth groups have added a 30 hour fast to their retreats.  Have you ever considered adding a fast to your spiritual walk? 

On a personal note, I have tried to follow a fast like Wesley off and on, especially over Lent for several years.   It is not as intimidating nor as uncomfortable as most people expect.  People may claim they could never do that, or it would be too unpleasant.  I can assure you from personal experience that fasting for 30 hours is not impossible. It is important to continue to drink sufficient fluids and remain hydrated. A pang or two of hunger can prompt us to think about our Lord’s sacrifice.  You might want to use the time gained from skipping a few meals for added prayer or study Scripture. Put a smile on your face when you feel a little hungry.  Rather than longing for food perhaps it would be better to long to feel God’s love, to long to be more like Jesus, and to long that the Holy Spirit would use you to reach those lost or hurting.   

Prayer

Dear Lord, may this Lenten season be a time when we think deeply about your sacrifice on our behalf.  Please draw us closer to you, may our lives become better reflections of you.  Amen