The Crazy Idea of Fasting in 2009

John Piper

clipped from www.desiringgod.org Jesus did not say, “If you fast..” but “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16). This will be new (even over the top) for some of you. So do a crazy thing in 2009. It might change your relationship with God. And your life. Pick a day of the week or a day of the month and plan to fast in 2009. Plan which meal or meals to skip. Skip them entirely, or do it with only juice or only water. There are not rules. There is only spiritual hunger being spoken and stoked with physical hunger. Why Fast? Here are six biblical aims for fasting. 1. For Jesus to come back Matthew 9:14-15 2. For help in a new venture in ministry Matthew 4:1-2 Acts 13:3 3. To avert some danger or threat Ezra 8:21 2 Samuel 12:16 4. To express sorrow and loss 2 Samuel 1:12 1 Chronicles 10:12 5. To express repentance and grief for sin Joel 2:12-13 6. Not for the praise of men Matthew 6:16-18 (For more instruction and inspiration in fasting see A Hunger for God, Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer.)