Joy. Once while musing on the extent of his sufferings, Paul came to this conclusion, “I consider our present sufferings they are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.” It was for the joy that was set before him, that Jesus endured the cross. Chesterton said the great secret of Jesus and of the Christian is joy. Paul noted, though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Take a moment to really note your inward condition—are there changes in you? Do you sense a growing seed of joy inside you? I do. It is not like our sacrifices for Jesus are for nothing. On the contrary. Jesus makes promises to us. To replace our sorrow with joy. This sense I have had growing is what I am trying to lay hold of in the last two days of the fast.
Just like you may be noticing some weight loss, mental clarity or maybe just a feeling of satisfaction at having come this far. A word of advice: be happy about it. That is not why we fast but it is a metaphor of the reality that following Jesus will benefit us. that when we lose our lives for his name sake, we find them. that when we die we live. ”Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies,” Jesus said, “it will not bear fruit.” God does not watch us waste away, he fills our hunger with good things.
I think I am actually enjoying the hunger. It is a constant reminder of Jesus. But what I miss (which I think is good) is eating as fellowship. I have missed meetings over meals and dinner time at my house. But as sure as we fast we know we will one day feast. Which is God’s plan for us. Fasting is rare, feasting, and community and joy is the norm for us.
For that reason I am suggesting that we all break the fast at 6pm on Wednesday (the seventh day). and I suggest, if it is possible, to break the fast with others. Have a time of prayer and celebration with you household, your micro church, someone. So that we can experience that together as well. Stay with it beloved.
