In my corporate job, there were days when breakfast burritos or donuts would magically appear in the office. Those mornings felt special—there was something about the surprise of an undeserved treat that made the day brighter. But sometimes, those treats made things much harder.
I remember times when I had committed to fasting, usually to learn a deeper dependence on the Lord. And wouldn’t you know it—on those very days, the enemy seemed to know. Instead of showing up on any regular morning, the donuts or breakfast burritos would arrive on my fasting days! Walking by the breakroom, I’d catch a glimpse of that familiar pink donut box, and my commitment would be tested. I’d sit at my desk, trying to focus, while the smell of food lingered, making me second-guess my decision. Occasionally, someone would even place a burrito on my desk, as if to taunt me!
What always surprised me was how these unexpected challenges arose when I dedicated something to the Lord. It didn’t take much for me to reconsider my commitment. Fasting is meant to foster dependence on God, yet sometimes I found myself discouraged, wondering if I could resist.
Jesus taught that fasting should be a private act of devotion to God—not for show, like the Pharisees who fasted with gloomy faces to make sure everyone noticed (Matthew 6:16). But even when I didn’t follow through perfectly, I learned something valuable: we need Jesus for everything. He is more satisfying than any food we could ever eat, and without Him, our hearts truly are empty.
Here’s the takeaway: fasting is a simple but powerful way to practice depending on the Lord. It challenges us, but it also draws us closer to Him. Instead of dreading the difficulties that may come, we should look forward to how God will meet us in the middle of them. So the next time you fast, or even consider fasting, ask God to give you the strength and clarity to follow through. And when the temptations come—whether in the form of donuts, burritos, or anything else—remember that He is your ultimate provider.
Jeremy Johnson
Executive Pastor