Fasting is hard.

There I said it.

Just because it’s something we are supposed to do, it doesn’t mean that it will be easy. Most of what God calls us to do is uncomfortable, stretches us to places and calls us to new ones. 

Sometimes when fasting you can mindlessly mess up. You grab for that cookie, take one bite and instantly realize what you’ve done. Or, you unlock your phone and by muscle memory you find yourself scrolling Instagram. 

Mindlessness and muscle memory. 

Fasting calls you to be intentional, alert and to go against your usual and natural habits. Aren’t those the same qualities God wants us to live with? Where we must choose wisely (intentionality), know the signs of the times (alertness) and crucify our flesh (counter natural habits). 

It’s mindlessness and muscle memory that will keep you powerless, make you miss opportunities of refreshment, will leave a crack for the enemy to slither into and stagnation be your normal. 

Take a look at these scripture:

I. Intentionality

Meaning: Live with purpose and care. 

• Joshua 24:15 Choose whom you will serve.
• Deuteronomy 30:19 Choose life with God
• Philippians 4:8 Choose what your mind dwells on.

II. Alertness

Meaning: Spiritual alertness of the battle between human nature and the Holy Spirit and the trickery of the one who wants to destroy us. 

• Mark 13:33-37 A warning to be guarded and alert. 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 Be spiritually sober. 
• 1 Peter 5:8-9 Know what your opponent is up to.

II. Counter the Natural

Meaning: Oppose the flesh and walk by the Spirit.

• Galatians 5:17 The Spirit opposes the flesh.
• Romans 8:6 Death vs life and peace.
• Galatians 5:24 Crucify your flesh.

See you next week!