Tempus fugit is the Latin expression for “time flies”. The months of January and February have flown by. That is how it seemed to many! Time does seem to be moving faster, but that is only because we are getting older they say.
March is upon us. Members of traditional churches/denominations are gearing up for the season of Lent. Those who belong to non-traditional churches do not customarily regard or observe this season. The season of Lent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the greatest festival of the church which is not Christmas but Easter (Resurrection Sunday). Like Christmas, there are many objections by well-meaning persons and others about why, how and when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. So let us focus!
There are some things about the season of Lent that are commendable and worthwhile. One of the ways in which persons prepare themselves spiritually is by fasting. The question is still posed by many today, “ What are you giving up for Lent?” Giving up something or the giving of oneself in service to others are Lenten disciplines. We will focus on fasting in this presentation.
Fasting can involve depriving oneself of a necessity, amenity or pleasure for the purpose of spiritual gain. It can be something as tangible as food or as intangible as watching soap operas. With good planning and purpose, the season can be a catalyst for spiritual recovery, healing and/ or growth.
Fasting presently, for many Christians in the west, is an underrated, ignored and maybe even a forgotten directive. This is not surprising if one considers that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. It makes sense that the adversary (Satan) would work hard to devalue this powerful tool/weapon that Christians can use to advance the cause of Christ!
Esther, her attendants and all the Jews in Susa fasted before her great intervention (Esther 4:16). Daniel fasted before one of his great interventions (Daniel 10:3). Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights before the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 4:2). The disciples were told that fasting was proper while Jesus was not physically present (Mark 2:20). The disciples were also advised that some evil spirits would only respond to prayer along with fasting (Mark 9:29).
Whether it is a part of your tradition or not, the season of Lent can be used to deepen and strengthen our lives spiritually. It can set us on a course towards the breaking of bad habits and the forming of new, positive habits. I recommend that we embrace this holy habit of fasting. Get some guidelines before proceeding. Diabetics, for example, have a protocol that ought to be used. Use wisdom in this regard, and then pursue this discipline with the fervor it deserves. Most of us know the power of prayer. Combine prayer with fasting. Things will happen. Things will change, because He who promises is faithful!
From: Walton Frederick your servant and classmate
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