Fasting is one of those tools that few men these days seem to have in their toolbox. Yet, fasting is a powerful tool effective for: humbling oneself before God; seeking His fellowship and grace in a special season or for a specific purpose; determining God’s mind on a weighty issue; intensifying our prayers and requests, and countless other applications.
I’m a hobby woodworker and have been since I was a kid. When I first started working with wood, all my tools were hand-tools: a saw, a hammer, a hand-drill with bits, and a file. Over the years I’ve collected many tools—both power and hand-tools. I’ve come to appreciate the unique capabilities of tools like a finishing plane and a biscuit joiner.
The spiritual disciplines, or following skills as I like to call them, are much like tools. Some of the more common tools in our walk with Christ are prayer and reading the Bible. But I think many of us are “tool-poor.” That is, we’re only accustomed to using a few tools in our relationship with Christ. As a result, we’re somewhat limited in our overall skills as His followers.
Imagine trying to build a nice cabinet with only a hammer and saw.
Fasting is one of those tools that few men these days seem to have in their toolbox. Yet, fasting is a powerful tool effective for: humbling oneself before God; seeking His fellowship and grace in a special season or for a specific purpose; determining God’s mind on a weighty issue; intensifying our prayers and requests, and countless other applications.
You won’t find a command to fast in the Bible. But what you will find is the example of our Lord Jesus and many other godly men who show us how to fast. Along these lines, Jesus simply told His disciples, “When you fast…”
It’s been many years now, since I added fasting to my tool box. The Lord has used this tool in my life in numerous significant ways. I challenge you to read this book and pick up this simple tool and learn how to use it to deepen your relationship with Christ.
