April 24: Insight Post by Jessica Woodcock
Friday Insight Post
by Jessica Woodcock
We’ve talked a lot this month about the importance of fasting and how difficult it can be. Fasting can be difficult for a multitude of reasons. For me, much like Rachel spoke about in Monday’s post, I have to be very aware not to allow the weight loss benefits of fasting creep into my thought life. For others, it can be the unknown, fear, or discomfort of going without food (or whatever they've chosen to fast) for an extended period.
Many of the passages in this month’s readings focus on being private about your fast, and this is necessary to honor God. As Bret said during last week's Bible Study and Prayer night, it starts with “Wash your face,” (meaning keep clean and in good humor, don't look for attention during your fast). But if fasting is new to you, I’d like you to consider that private doesn’t necessarily mean alone. Fasting alone is something I certainly encourage you to do, but it doesn’t have to be the first step. It is not disobedient to the scriptures to fast with others. We just finished the season of Lent. Lent is a time that many Christians fast, and whether directly joining in a fast together or fasting separately, there can be great encouragement in knowing that others are fasting. For me, during the season of Lent, knowing that others are sacrificing as well has helped get me through a few tough days over the years as I experienced caffeine withdrawal, which is what I typically fast from during Lent.
The Bible is filled with examples of groups of people who fasted together. In Esther 4:16, before approaching the King (which typically resulted in death!), Esther said to Mordecai, “…gather all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same…” In Jonah 3:4-10, after Jonah prophesies the destruction of Ninevah, the King of Ninevah commands a fast not only for the people of Ninevah, but their livestock as well! We also see group fasting in the New Testament. In Acts 13:2-3, the church leaders of Antioch fasted before appointing Barnabas and Saul as missionaries and again before sending them out. And 1 Corinthians 7:5 speaks of couples fasting together.
Recently, New Hope’s Student Ministry came together to fast. When our February Student Lock-in was introduced to the students, asking them to stay at the church overnight and participate in a 17-hour fast, we were met with reactions varying from excitement to (one of my favorite reactions) a middle schooler asking, “Is that even legal?” Despite their reservations, and after adding a very small breakfast, so the fast wasn’t so long, we had 62 (!!) leaders and students participate in our Lock-in, with close to 30% choosing to forgo breakfast in order to complete the original 17-hour fast. This event aimed to raise awareness of those in our community and across the globe who are not as privileged as the majority of our students, those who face housing, job, and food insecurities. But the event also served as an introduction for many of our students to the discipline of fasting. By bringing our leaders alongside our students and helping them to stay active, similar to the fast in Isaiah 58:6-7, our students successfully completed their fast and did so with overwhelmingly positive attitudes.
So, if fasting seems insurmountable, I encourage you to grab a friend or family member and commit to a fast together. It doesn’t have to be food and it doesn’t have to be a long time. Start somewhere, listen to God, and see where He leads. I have faith that with the right heart attitude, no matter where you start, you will see growth in your relationship with God.
Jessica Woodcock
Administrative Manager & Family Ministry Team Member
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org