After the Fast

During a period of fasting, I turn away from the snacks and goodies that I enjoy so much. No sleeve of chocolate chip cookies for me, no greasy French fries, and certainly no sugary sweet muffins, cookies, or cupcakes. But after the fast has ended, eventually the cookies, cakes, and fries make their way back into my diet. Considering how easy it is to fall back into poor food choices, how much easier is it to fall back into sinful choices each day?

Those who fast understand how spiritually great we can feel during that period of self-denial. Our focus is on God and we are consciously avoiding sinful behaviors. We may even feel a sense of “extra righteousness” when we turn away from carnal things to focus on the holy: “No, no, I will not watch that new episode of Law & Order tonight—I’m going to spend the evening studying the Word.”

Yet fasting is usually for only a predetermined amount of time. After the fast, we return to our regular lifestyle. Some like myself may want to linger in the fasting mode a little longer, to hold on to that spiritual closeness we feel towards the Lord. But eventually, our routine kicks in, and we realize that we’re falling back into our regular lifestyle.

But when we return to our “regular” life we should be careful that we don’t fall into our “regular” sin. Hebrews 12:1 warns of “the sin that so easily entangles.” It is my belief that this type of sin varies between individuals. What easily entangles me may not easily entangle you. But whatever it may be, we should be on the lookout to avoid the snare of any sin that might trip us up.

After the fast, we are usually spiritually squeaky clean. But let us be reminded of the warning in Matthew 12:43- 45. Those sins—or demons, even—from which we have been cleansed, are always lurking for a way to come back and drag us down even more. After the fast, we need to be even more vigilant about avoiding sinful behaviors. We need to make definite decisions to avoid being caught up in our “favorite” sins.

Living a holy life is more than periodic fasting—it’s a series of conscious choices that have everlasting results. Maybe there are some issues you are struggling with right now—sins that you find yourself repeating and regretting time and again. It’s time to have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him for help in overcoming these problem areas of your life.

Offer Him repentance, and He’ll give you abundance!