40 Day Fast

Jesus must have, MUST have, fasted often before His 40 day fast we read about in Matthew 4. It was a fairly common, even prideful to some, thing to do to fast in those days. To start off fasting for the first time for 40 days doesn't seem reasonable. Of course, Jesus was the Son of God, but He was also the Son of man (human).

I've joined a group of ladies on facebook - The Sacrificial Diet - to fast for 40 days for prayer and release Satan's hold on our bodies to eat more than we need. (ahem) But, this is an easy version of that fast, and today is Day Two.

Now, this is not the 40 day fast that Jesus or Moses or Elijah did in the Bible. No, we are just fasting all but one meal plus desserts a day. Other than that, it's up to the faster what else they may do. One still eats a spoonful of food to take with her pills, others still have their coffee, and I think I read of one or two having only fruit if they can't stand the hunger, and all that's okay. Personally, I'm still drinking diet sodas outside of the meal, and I'm doing without any sweets, not just desserts. I'm not sure if that was the intention or not, but desserts was all that was said. The thing here is to do with less. It's still a sacrifice.

Fasting is very personal since it is said in God's word to do it quietly and don't show it off, as the hypocrites did.

Matthew 6:16-18 -  "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." nkjv

Now, we must keep it true. No one saw Jesus in the wilderness, that we can read about. Yet, He never caved in to temptation to eat before it was time. It must have been a very difficult thing to do, even though He was possibly accustomed to fasting.

This 40 day fasting that I'm participating in is a step toward more fasting, more giving up self, more seeking the Lord. It's less than eating in a five hour time, less than eating any sweets I choose in that time. Yet, it's more than completely giving up all food and drink as did the children of Israel in the Bible. It's hard to imagine giving up food and water. I'm thankful for the one meal. Some day, I may be able to do a real 40 day fast, or a 90 day juice fast as I've read of people doing.

Angela, who I've mentioned before is our fearless leader. I'm so thankful to be doing this and having this group to help me along.

If you have something you'd like for me to pray about for you, please mention it in a comment below. I'll add your request to my list.