On Wednesday of this week, Woodland Church will begin a 40 day period of fasting or some other appetite denying discipline. It is a Christian’s way of expressing through our bodies our longing for the fullness of the Kingdom of God when Jesus Christ returns. The things that we deny ourselves are good gifts from God to be fully enjoyed. However, there are times that we fast from those gifts in order to more fully appreciate the giver of those gifts, our glorious Father in heaven.

A friend of mine blessed our lunch today thanking God for the good gifts of food from the ground and the trees. I was delighted by the blessing he offered to the Lord! Yes, food is a gift to be received and enjoyed with delight and thanksgiving. It’s amazing the me that God created foods with so much color, texture, flavor, and fragrance.

Sometimes however, we make idols out of the gifts that God gives us. We desire or look to the gifts He has provided to give us the comfort, strength, and significance that only come from God. We substitute the gift then for God. We need and desire the daily bread He provides. However, as passionate followers of Christ we need and desire Him much more than food. “Jesus answered, “Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not! But the day will come when the bridegroom [Jesus] will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15, GN)

“We fast from food in order to feast upon God. I invite you to join us on this 40 Day Journey of Faith and Fasting.

Peace