grace given me

My son, who is now back at college, loves to eat. A number of the foods he loves would not be included on many January ‘new year’ eating plans. Because I love food and I love food experiences with him, I join him in everything from cooking up his favorites – steak, Shepherd’s pie, my Pop’s ribs – to Taco Bell runs to late night fro-yo. Alas, he headed back to school at the end of January and now it’s time to get back on track. I have a vision for great things in 2025. I want to do something big and different. That takes focus and intentionality. That is why “in February we fast.”

When I first learned about fasting, I wasn’t particularly interested in it. I was actually surprised to learn that fasting is mentioned in the Bible. In Celebration of Disciplines by Richard Foster, he says, “The list of biblical personages who fasted reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of scripture: Moses… David… Elijah… Esther… Daniel… Anna… Paul… Jesus.”

You have likely heard about intermittent or other forms of fasting, but may be curious about what kinds of fasts are in the Bible. In scripture, a ‘normal’ fast involved abstaining from all food and liquid, except water. Sometimes a partial fast is described, with the ‘Daniel’ fast being one we have become more familiar with in society. A Daniel fast is a vegan diet which involves eating vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds and avoiding animal products, leavened breads, processed foods, and refined carbs.

Last week, my husband and I kicked off our now annual Daniel fast for the month of February. Why do we fast? We fast for focus, intentionality, discipline, health, gratefulness. We find that after so many wonderful holiday happenings, sport watch parties, time off from work, and indulging in great feasts and party foods, the rigor of a fast has a profound effect on us. First and foremost, our fast is a spiritual one; an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus. As we dial in our intentions, Jesus speaks into our lives and refines us. Richard Foster says, “More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.” We often cover up or distract ourselves from what is inside us with food and other things we love.

Author Jon Tyson in Beautiful Resistance says, “Serving King Stomach can cause incredible compromise…” When you fast, things are revealed. Compromises to which you have become blind or immune or lax or helpless. Things like, what is compromising my time? My thoughts? My money? What am I saying yes and no to? Am I noticing what is restraining my best self? Am I focusing on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Philippians 4:8) or am I allowing media and culture to influence and darken and steal my joy? Am I taking time to be aware and thankful for the love and good things in my life? Am I mindlessly going through the motions and entertaining myself to death?

Or, how about: What is compromising my prayers?

Fasting reminds you that you have more discipline than you remembered. That disciplines starts to carry over into other areas where you lost focus and intentionality. In the offering of a fast and a surrendering to God, compromise starts to transform into power and hope. If you are looking for something to shift, fast.

Lord I pray that any reader who is moved to try a fast as an offering, receives a blessing from you. I know you will honor what each and every person brings to you. You know our hearts and minds and I know you will meet us, wherever we are. If we come to you in faith we will not be turned away. I pray for breakthrough in prayers. Hear our cries, tear down strongholds, give us revelation, freedom, power. Help us to walk in our true identities as your sons and daughters, serving you, the rightful King. I pray for recaptured discipline and greater health. I know you long for us to be healthy in our hearts, minds and bodies so we can take part in the miracles you long to bring to this world. Amen.