Pursuing Christ

Week 30, Weekend

Liz Traylor

But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. Mark 2:20 (nkjv)

I must be forthright about my fasting struggles lest I am perceived as some godly, superspiritual woman.

When I decided to try fasting, I made the flippant comment, “At least I’ll lose some weight.” Imagine my surprise when I didn’t. I discovered biblical fasting is not for the purpose of shedding a few pounds.

Once I just quit. I walked into the kitchen, grabbed a biscuit, and ate every bite. Bread had never caused indigestion before, but it did then. Or maybe it was the sorrow at my lack of faithfulness. I found breaking a promised fast was simply not worth it.

Sometimes when God has initiated a fast, I have silently complained as if He couldn’t hear. Fasting is hard work. But I have determined that anything considered a discipline requires sacrifice, and anything or anyone worthy of sacrifice is worth pursuing. Especially Jesus.

When will the women of God learn that the sacrifice of fasting is the least we can do to pursue the Savior who sacrificed His life for us?

When the Pharisees confronted Jesus (see Mark 2:18), questioning Him as to why His disciples did not fast, the Lord’s answer was enlightening: When the bridegroom is present, his friends don’t fast.

Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast because He—the Bridegroom—was right there in front of them, living, breathing, and mentoring them every step of the way. They lived in the presence of the Savior for three years.

Then is the primary reason to fast to be in the presence of Jesus? To seek His face? To know Him more? Do I hesitate to fast because I really don’t want that kind of relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords? Is that level of intimacy a little too flustering, a little too invasive for my comfort? That thought reeks of self-righteousness.

May I always be willing to say with David, “I humbled myself with fasting” (Psalm 35:13, nkjv).

Father, overwhelm me with the desire to be a woman after Your heart, regardless of the cost. Amen.