By: Jess Robinson
Confession….I really dislike fasting. It’s not my favorite spiritual discipline. Something about not eating does not sit right with me because babygirl likes to EAT! I also had a weird relationship with fasting growing up. More so using it as a means to hide eating disorders, because no one questions why you aren’t eating if you tell them you’re fasting. However, since attending Detroit Church and participating in our annual fasts, I have come to develop a new and accurate understanding of fasting.
When I first heard we were doing a two-week fast, I said, “God, you have got to be kidding me! You know I already struggle with doing one week.” Now the first week wasn’t too bad for me actually. The Daniel fast is basically like being vegan so I could easily make substitutes to my recipes; all that mattered was I was still able to eat lol. But the media fast until 6 pm was eye opening. I found myself craving to be on social media or binge-watch my favorite comfort shows, especially while working from home. Yet, I had to deny myself these usually easily accessible pleasures. It was challenging, but, again, in my mind doable because I still could get what I wanted at the end of the day.
Fast forward to week two….babygirl has been STRUGGLING. Liquid diet fast has never been in my vocabulary. I’ve given up social media for lent before, but never TV as well. I said “God what more do you want from meeeeee”. As I found myself complaining on the first day, “this juice ain’t enough” I immediately felt a conviction from the Lord telling me “none of it is enough apart from ME”....oop. He instantly brought to mind that “man does not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4; Dueteronmy 8:3). I said, “Okay I hear you God!” So from that moment forward I had a decision to make, continue complaining about the fast, or choose to focus on HIM during the fast. Anytime I feel a hunger pain, have a strong desire to click on Instagram, or reach for my remote, I can choose to pray or read or worship “for when I am weak, then I am made strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Ironically, It’s in our weakest moments that we can be at our strongest, but only when we choose to lean on HIM.
So am I still struggling? Absolutely. But I am also encouraged and even excited. My new outlook on fasting is having a carved out time to say no to my flesh and yes to my spirit. It’s a time to discipline my desires to align more with God’s. It’s a good reminder that as long as I have HIM I will be okay. I don’t need anything apart from HIM, because I can’t do anything without HIM in the first place! (John 15:5). HE is giving me supernatural energy to make it through the day despite being hungry and fatigued. Fasting isn’t my favorite, but I am willing to engage in it to be obedient to Christ, and that’s what keeps me going.