God, I Love Pizza!

But, God, I Love You More!

Nearly every religion in the world encourages fasting. This is because it works. Fasting is nothing more than consuming less so there is more room for God and more room for the supernatural in your life. When we fast, we create within ourselves a physical void that God fills spiritually. Most people cram their lives so full of everything else there is no room for God and spiritual lethargy is the result. However, spiritual lethargy is not a problem where people lack food.

There is nothing that increases spiritual vitality like hunger. Hunger pangs are the body’s way of crying out. When we fast, we channel our hunger to that which is truly satisfying. In this way, fasting becomes a powerful statement to God. It says, “God, I want you more than I want French fries. God I want you to show up in my life far more than I want pizza. God, I love pizza! God, I love French fries. But God, I love you more!”

People who pray this way discover an abundant life that no amount of consumption can match. Tommy Tenney, the author of God Chasers, frequently says when he speaks that “God fills where he first finds emptiness.” Fasting puts our emptiness on display before God. Fasting reminds us who ultimately sustains us.

Jesus assumed that fasting would be an integral part of the spiritual fitness program for his followers. In Matthew 5:16, he says, “And when you fast…” He did not say, “Now in the highly unlikely case that one of you would do something as strange as going without food…” On the contrary, he assumed his followers would fast. Fasting wasn’t optional or for the spiritual few.

It has always seemed hypocritical to me when I see a big heavy-set preacher hammering away on things like smoking or drinking. Apparently, all the passages on the sin of gluttony have not caught his attention. All the arguments against smoking and drinking, health reasons and addictions, apply equally to overeating. Gluttony is a sin many Christians ignore.

The Bible says self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We are not to let our appetites control us, but we are to have control over our appetites. People who develop the power of the will to say “No” to food have a much easier time resisting other vices and temptations like lust and greed. In fact, I teach people that pushing the plate away is the first baby step toward victory in any area of struggle. When we prayerfully push the plate away, God fills us with strength to fight far greater battles.

My wife has a special grace to fast frequently and for lengthy periods of time. Frankly, the thought is frightening of how our different our lives would be if she were not regularly contending for God’s favor through prayer and fasting. Our biggest breakthroughs come on the back end of her biggest fasts. Just think what would happen if parents set aside one day a week to fast and pray for their children. God rewards those who fast.

There are enormous health benefits to fasting, like detoxification. Also, fasting promotes healing as energy is diverted away from the digestive system (due to its lack of use) and towards the metabolism and immune system. This is the reason wounded animals stop eating; their bodies are busy diverting that energy to fixing itself. It’s proven that fasting prolongs life, increases feelings of rejuvenation, as well as many other benefits. However, the physiological benefits are not why the Bible tells us to fast. In referring to fasting seventy-five times in the Bible, God is using food, something we need daily, to help us keep in check the fact that He alone satisfies.

Before considering a fast, read up on it. Talk to your doctor in case there are medical considerations specific to you. There are many different kind of fasts: water fasts, juice fasts, liquid (blender) fasts, lunch fasts, 24 hour fasts, 36 hour fasts, 7 day fasts, 21 and 40 day fasts. At any given time in our church community there are people fasting; it’s not a big deal. I like to joke that I like blender fasts best: I blend up a burger, fries and make a splendid shake! I’m kidding, but the point is to do what works for you and then when that has become your routine, take your fast up to another level.

Strategically, plan fasts before big decisions or before big undertakings. Jesus fasted for forty days before he began his earthly ministry. But, don’t fast during big undertakings. In those times, you need all the strength from good nourishment. During periods of fasting, it can be weak and vulnerable times. The Devil tried to exploit Jesus during his fast. The breakthrough comes after the fast, not during it. However you fast, every time a physical hunger pang hits you, turn it into a prayer? “God, I would love a steak right now. But God, I want you more!”