I used to be fairly good at fasting from food. When I was younger, 4 days was not a problem. However, shortly after turning 30, I got a concussion from passing out because I lacked the energy to push open the door to my room (I stumbled and fell head first into the wall… it was the 3rd day of my fast). I don’t do multiple day full food fasts anymore.
Our bodies change as we get older. I’m still not that old, but I’m at an age when what little athletic ability I once had has rapidly dwindled, and my mind does not seem to be as sharp as it once was. It’s a time for adjustments. If I don’t adjust physically (perhaps picking up some new sports?), I’ll continually look like a fool (on the court). If I don’t adjust mentally, I’ll end up with a lot of very unhappy church members (due to my forgetting everything about everything).
Adjustments… During seasons when life is difficult, or when things change, we must adjust. God does not change, but we do. If we are Biblically grounded and Spirit led, the adjustments that we make can’t help but to lead us closer to where He wants us to be.
As you fast this season of Lent, meditate on how you can make changes in your life that will enable you to study the Word more in depth. There will be times in your life where an event (like Passion, or a Retreat) or an ecstatic experience won’t give you a Spiritual high or make you feel closer to God. We must be able to adjust as we mature spiritually (not to say that people who are blessed by concerts and charismatic experiences are not mature!).
Some questions that we can ask ourselves in order to help us adjust are:
How is my heart? (do I long for more of God?)
When was the last time I really dug into the Word?
How are my relationships? The ones that will last? (with your spouse, children, siblings, parents, friends?)
Am I really involved in my Church community?
How is my prayer life?
How is my giving life? (not just financially)
Am I submitting to Christ in all areas of my life?
As we fast, let’s realize that it might be time to adjust. It’s time to make some changes.