Secret Fasting

Secret Fasting

When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others, but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18

Let’s face it, it is virtually impossible to have absolute secrecy during an extended fast. Despite our sincere efforts to keep it private, both our family members and work colleagues will find out sooner or later. So, does that ruin the impact?

When Jesus taught the secret of fasting in secret, He was giving a significant kingdom principle. He was not putting around our necks a yoke of bondage.

Many sincere Christians who have chosen to fast from food out of obedience to God have experienced unnecessary bondage. They have misunderstood this principle and submitted to the letter of the law rather than to the spirit of the law.

The kingdom principle Jesus teaches here is the life-giving principle of keeping secrets with God. Our spiritual life is intended to be like an iceberg, 90% larger under the surface and essentially unseen! God wants to tell us secrets and for us to meet with Him in secret so that our times of intimacy with God are far more significant than anyone else knows about.

As you consider joining God on an extended fast this month, take off the yoke of bondage before you even start. Set the record straight—you are not fasting in order for anyone to know about it even though some people will likely learn about it; you are fasting to spend extended time with the God you love. If other people find out we are fasting, it’s OK.

Loving Father, today I do throw off the bondage of having to keep this fast a secret. Obviously, people will learn about it. But far more important than what people discover, I want to discover more about you. Take me deeper, loving Father, into intimacy with you.

YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III  
All rights reserved
Unless otherwise indicated, the English Standard Bible (ESV) is used.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.
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