When you think of fasting, what’s the first Bible story that comes to mind?
For me, it’s always the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness and was tempted by the devil.
This fast, while likely the most important one, was not the only 40 day fast.
In Exodus, we read the story of how Moses fasted 40 days and nights when he was on Mt. Sinai with God writing the 10 Commandments.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” Exodus 34:27-28 NIV
This fast, while not intentional, allows us to see that God will meet all of our needs, whether we’re worried about them or not. I imagine that Moses wasn’t worried about bread or water during his time in the presence of God. He was IN the presence of God; feasting on His Words. His entire being was surrounded by God’s glory and therefore EVERY need his body had, God met.
That is both awe inspiring and a comfort for me as we prepare for this fast.
For the next 40 days on our sugar fast, I don’t want to worry about giving up sweets; I want to fully focus on the journey with Jesus to know more about His heart, His love, His sweetness. In this fast, let my focus not be on what I’m giving up, but what I will gain while in the presence of God.
And like Moses, when I finish the 40 days, I want to shine with Gods glory.
Lord, I pray that as we prepare our hearts and our minds for this upcoming fast you will move mightily on our behalf. Lord, we seek You in this time. Reveal more to us, show us Your Glory. We are hungry for more of you. As we bring our cravings, our wants, our addictions to you Lord, we pray that you will replace them with Your kindness, Your sweetness, Your love. Thank you for your unimaginable grace and mercy on us.
Amen.