And then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 2:37
“We often only think of physical hunger when we think of fasting, but fasting renews our spiritual hunger and connection to God. It’s interesting how this works: Physical hunger done with the goal of seeking Jesus makes our spiritual hunger for Him even stronger. Fasting brings a fresh fire of zeal and passion for Him. Jesus indicated that His disciples would fast when He was gone (Mark 2:20). Fasting is that longing of the Bride (the Church) for the Bridegroom. It’s physical pain that stirs spiritual craving for the Lord. Fasting not only rekindles our hunger for God, but it also serves as a way to minister to the Lord. In Luke 2:37, Anna, an 84-year-old widow, didn’t depart from the temple but “served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Fasting accompanied by prayer is one way we can serve the Lord. As a pastor and minister of the Lord, Anna’s example is a vital reminder that I must not only minister to people, but also minister to the Lord through fasting and prayer. Every minister of the Lord must learn to minister to the Lord like she did. That’s where the secret lies. Similarly, Acts 13:2 tells us that Saul and Barnabas “…ministered to the Lord and fasted…” Serving or ministering to the Lord is done best through worship and prayer accompanied with fasting. Just as Paul’s missionary calling was birthed during a season of ministering to the Lord, our own ministries are strengthened and directed when we engage in prayer and fasting.”
Vladimir Savchuk in A Beginner’s Guide to Fasting: Simple, Practical, Biblical (Pasco, WA: 2024) 19-21.
I am looking for role models as I move to Founder of GTP. Anna provides a good example for me of perseverance (ministering daily in the temple at 84 years old) and ministering to the Lord.
Remember that our Lord Jesus Himself said that when we minister to the least among the people we minister to Him. That means the ministry of every person of every age, regardless of how local or global, can minister to the Lord.
I hope this exploration of fasting ignites renewal in you and a deeper connection with God. Or at least that it has raised awareness for the need to disconnect from the world so you can connect more closely with God.
When this posts I will not be home yet but on my way. Thanks for your prayers for safe and uneventful travel.