Will you receive a blessing from God if you fast for a week?  That depends.......on you.  What do I mean by that?  As we read earlier in the week, Jesus made it clear that those who fast so others will notice receive no blessing at all, other than the affirmation of others.  (See Matthew 6:16-18)  In that very passage of Scripture Jesus tells us  if we fast "in secret" God will reward us.  God's reward is certainly God's blessing.  As we move closer and closer to our week-long fast, as we anticipate focusing on God more intentionally than usual, the key is to do just that--focus on God. 

It will be tempting to tell someone, "I'm fasting all week long, because our church is emphasizing growing in the Holy Spirit, reaching lost people, and seeking God's deliverance for a release of funds for our new church building."  (You won't word it that way, but that will be the temptation.)  As I told a group of students at Slippery Rock University on Tuesday night, "God tests us, but He never tempts us. Temptation always comes from Satan."  So when we're TEMPTED to tell about our fast, we'll know who's behind it.  Satan wants us to focus on ourselves during the fast. (Actually, he always wants us to focus on ourselves, because that keeps our focus off of worshiping God and loving and serving others!)  He wants us to be proud of the sacrifice we're making.  He wants us to show others how hard we have it while we're fasting.  If we give in to that temptation, the only reward we will receive is the affirmation or the sideways glances returned from those we tell. (The sideways glances will be from those who think going without food, or giving up something for a WEEK, to focus on God is strange.)

But what blessings may we anticipate during our week of fasting?  First, and foremost we may anticipate the inner joy that comes from putting God first.  Since most of us indulge our desires when it comes to food, sacrificing that to put God first will bring a blessing in and of itself.  Jesus told us when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness that all these things (the daily necessities of life) will be added to us.  Fasting is a way of letting God know He's first and that we trust Him to provide what we truly need.  Another practical blessing after we get over the initial challenges of transitioning into the fast --the possible headaches, fatigue and other potential physical challenges--is we will start to feel better than usual, as our minds and bodies become clear and alert.

But what about the spiritual blessings?  I can't say for sure what spiritual blessings you will receive, but in the past when I've fasted for a week at a time, I've sensed God's presence more fully than at most other times in my life.  I have also sensed His guidance more directly, whether through deeper insights into His written word, or a more direct sense of the leading of the Holy Spirit.  God has answered prayers in past times of fasting, and that is certainly a blessing.  How He responds to our prayers for His Holy Spirit to be poured out so we may minister His life and healing to others; for our lost friends, family members, acquaintances and those He puts in our path to come to salvation in unprecedented numbers during this Easter season, and for Him to provide deliverance from the financial "dead-end" we are experiencing right now in our Phase 1 building project for His Mission Outpost at 127 Knoch Road, only time will tell. 

In the end, we don't fast so we will receive God's blessings.  We fast because God has already blessed us with His love and salvation through Jesus and we want to respond in obedience to Him.  Obedience to God is always the path to blessing. (See John 13:17)  I can't wait to see what He will do in each of our lives and in our life together as we participate in the fast starting Sunday!