Power Up!

In 1993, the “Power Rangers” show first appeared on televisions across America. These mild-mannered teenagers transformed into fictional helmeted superheroes ready to battle evil. In real life, God offers His power to transform an everyday man into a very real member of God’s army. “God-power” enables each to “power up” and face the pervasive evil that confronts us in our culture today.

God wants to be actively involved in your life, bringing clarity, purpose, and power…but you must purposefully seek Him. There are many ways to do this and one way the Bible recommends is fasting. It’s mentioned seventy times. The most notable person who fasted was Jesus, who undertook a 40-day total fast before starting His ministry. He also fasted and prayed before major decisions, such as recruiting the disciples.

Linda and I started our fast a week ago. I will admit—it is hard passing my favorite convenience store and not dropping in for my daily Diet Dr. Pepper, Monster, or a donut. But… every time I feel tempted, I offer my hunger to God. (Here is a key fasting tip–cutting back on food and not praying is nothing but a diet!) I hunger for His intervention, guidance, and closeness more than the temporary fill of an unhealthy treat.

This has been a hard first week– but rewarding at the same time. I pray more, am seeking God’s intervention and direction, and am putting “Father God over food.” And as Matthew instructs, I don’t let others know I am fasting:

“And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they put on a sad and dismal face [like actors, discoloring their faces with ashes or dirt] so that their fasting may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head [as you normally would to groom your hair] and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by people, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18

Do you need a “reboot” as you move into Spring and attempt to leave the last two difficult pandemic years behind? Consider fasting. It’s not easy but totally worth it. The reward of developing an even deeper relationship with the God of the Universe as you seek to discover and fulfill His purposes for your life is priceless!