By LuAnn Wendover

Why do we fast?

What are the benefits?

We fast for several reasons but the most important one is to get close to Jesus. We live in a world full of distractions. There is constant noise always pulling at us. Things to do, places to be, so much emphasis on the going and doing. It is easy to lose focus on the number one thing in our lives as Christ followers - we need to seek Him, sit with Him, and serve Him.

FASTING ALLOWS US TO PUT ASIDE THE DISTRACTIONS OF THE WORLD, OUR FLESH, THE NOISE AND PULL OF THE WORLD, AND OUR DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES AS SPOUSES, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, EMPLOYEES OR EMPLOYERS, AND ALL THE OTHER MYRIAD HATS WE WEAR IN OUR LIVES.

FASTING allows us to 'deny our flesh' with its demands, to take that time of feeding the physical and use it to feed our spirits through our relationship with our high priest and coming king and bridegroom. Most of us live in countries where many have an abundance of material things.  We live in comfort. Fasting is a good reminder to our flesh that it is not in control and a great reminder to us of how much we allow our flesh to dictate how we live. Fasting brings out the screaming, demanding fleshly sides of our beings. Fasting is the opportunity to say: 'No! Not today!' Today I choose to listen to my spirit, to focus on the voice of Jesus, our Lord. Today we are seeking the better things: His presence, His guidance, His rest.

Whether we can see it or not, fasting moves mountains in our lives. Mountains like disbelief, temptations, disobedience, striving, discontent to name a few. When we focus on Jesus, we are fed and filled with Him. We hear more clearly, see better, and can release those things hindering us in our lives. As Sumites, we need this.

We are mostly in a posture of war.

We war daily for our spouse's salvation.

We war for our children, both small and grown.

We war for our marriages to reflect our love and hope in Christ for repentance, restoration, renewal.

We war for ourselves as we battle to be that example of Christ Jesus in our homes, our families, and our communities.

We war, we grapple, we learn to armor up daily, and to fight the good fight. We endure.

So what should our corporate SUM fast look like this year in 2025?

It should be a time of reflection. A look back on the past year. Are there any losses? What needs to be laid at His feet and left there? Do we need to repent? Are there any breaches in our walls that need to be repaired? Do we need to forgive and make amends? Where were the victories? Have I given Him praise and thanked Him for moving in my life and meeting my needs? Have I thanked Him for forward movement? For delivering positive change and growth in me and my spouse?

This fast should be a time of resting in Him. We need to look at Jesus: see his beauty, His love for us, and this dying world. It should be a rest that leads to renewal in us. It should be a refilling, a topping off of His strength and His joy, His love, patience, forbearance and all those other fruits of the Christ-centered life.

It should be a time of quiet. Listening for His words of direction, strength, purpose and guidance for us individually and as a corporate body of believers. It should be a time of restoration and peace as we shelter under His wings to rest in Him. To receive and give our love to Him, find solace in Him, receive from Him. Glory in His presence.

I think we will find this year's fast to be quite different for each one of us.

Looking forward to hearing the coming testimonies from this fast.

Love,

LuAnn

LuAnn Wendover is from Milan, NY. She has been a member of the SUM community for several years now, and will be leading our corporate fast from Monday to Friday next week. Join us!