Nougat 16

Several folks I know have been involved in fasts to mark the beginning of the year. Whether partial or full fasts, the practice involves making a love sacrifice to God in order to gain spiritual gifts, strength, or knowledge. In thinking about fasting, a thought crossed my mind as I chewed on Today’s Holy Nougat

“The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. After Jesus had gone without eating for 40 days and nights, he was very hungry.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CEV‬‬

After the Fast

Most of us, myself included may have missed 1.the purpose of Jesus’ fast; and 2. what occurred after the fast. For the most part, Christian believers undertake a fast to deepen a spiritual connection with God. This may manifest as a quest for transformation, a personal desire for spiritual growth, or seeking God for a solution to a personal matter. In all the examples cited, and there are more, it is possible to assume that fasting seems to bend God’s will to our own.

On the contrary. This recounting of Jesus’ 40-day sojourn into the wilderness notes that Jesus’ purpose for His fast was to be tempted of the devil. What I surmise therefore, is that when we fast, we can expect temptation.

Other renditions of Jesus’ fast indicate that the temptations occurred during the fast, but Matthew does not actually state what happened then. What he does tell us is that immediately following the fast, Jesus was hungry. Forty days without food is no joke!

Siblings, not all of us are going to feel hungry. But the reality is, we are human and embarking on a fast doesn’t stop our natural bodily functions. We are given to desires and natural functions, which continue to demand our attention even during our fast. For some, these are major challenges to be overcome during our fast so that we realize our goal. And it is! I wish to add that we are at least equally vulnerable after a fast.

I remember some Trini friends telling me that KFC does some of its best business the evening a fast ends – Hindu or Muslim. And we all know of businesses that have ‘Fish Fridays’ during Lent for the same reason. As one who has succumbed in the past to gratifying the flesh, I caution us to be careful about what we do when we end our fasts. For many of us that’s where our weakness lies.

May we find grace for the journey. More anon.

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May all we seek be found in Christ