Fast Forward

Now that the 21-day fast is ending, what did it mean for you? For many people, fasting is a matter of doing without something you want with the hope of gaining something you want even more. The true purpose of fasting is achieved when the “something” you want more is more of God.
The question, then, is not “What are you fasting from?” but, “What are you fasting for?” The focus is not on what we give up, but on how we can be empowered to give. In other words, fast forward — beyond personal desires and requests. Fast with a view to move in the direction delineated in        
Isaiah 58:                                                                                                                                           
Undo wickedness.                                                                                                     
Undo heavy burdens.                                                                                           
Free the oppressed.                                                                                    
Share your bread with the hungry.                                                                
Bring the poor (outcasts) to your house.                                                                      
Clothe the naked.                                                                                                  
​Provide for your needy relatives.
God’s chosen fast is a fast from selfishness and unconcern. It is a call to personal mission. The needs are all around us. Fasting opens our eyes, and fuels our desire to give, to love and to serve. 

Next Steps...
I will begin to “fast forward” this week by reaching out to a need I am already aware of through a visit, a gift, a phone call or a prayer.