The Gift of Fasting

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

          We come to the end of our week on fasting.  The above verse helps to refocus us on why we are fasting.  We fast as a response to God’s love for us.  God so loved us that God gave us God’s son, Jesus.  We did not earn God’s love by being good people who fast.  No, God’s love comes to us as an undeserved gift.  Our fasting, praying, confession, and other acts of piety come out of response to this great and wondrous love. 

This verse also reminds us that if God provided all that is necessary for our salvation, then surely God will provide for us in out time of fasting.  And if we should fail in our fasting, Jesus knows our weaknesses and has grace enough to heal us and strengthen us in our need.  We are also reminded here that our fasting is to bring life to others through good works.  God, in Jesus, created us for good works.  Our fasting, therefore, should give life to others.  It should be connected to reaching out to our neighbors, to those in need of food, shelter, and relationship.  If these actions are what we were created for then what should we boast about?   When a girl becomes a woman, we don’t boast about how great an event that is.  We take that for granted.  So too, good works naturally flow out of us.  We celebrate that we are growing into the image of Christ and that God has used us in such a way to bring life to the world.  

Take time this week to thank God for the wonderful gift of Jesus.  Ask God to lead you to others who need life.  And may God grant to you all of your needs as you fast through this Lenten season. 

-Rev. Matt Seaton