To Go Without

He gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. Isaiah 44:12

Our physical bodies need sustenance on a daily basis. As we expend energy in any number of ways we use up what has been stored in our systems. Once it is used up it cannot replenish itself ~ it must be replaced. If we go for too long without taking in more food and liquid our bodies suffer for it.

A while back I learned this lesson first hand. I was in need of God's intervention in a mighty way. I had fasted before but this time I looked to the fast Esther called for...a three day fast without food or water. The first day went fine as my body just lived off stored up nutrients. The second day, I felt a bit shaky but nothing serious. It was the morning of the third day that my body finally crashed. I ended the fast after 52 hours. I felt very weak, light headed, and extremely nauseous. At first I thought I could just take in water but I felt worse. So I decided to give my body what it needed...food.

Here is what surprised me. Although I ate food and drank liquids the physical weaknesses lingered for 3 more days! On that third day God began to show me the spiritual ramifications and similarities.

I must daily take in my spiritual food. I do this through reading God's Word, journaling, praying, fellowship, etc... If I don't meet with God for one day I won't necessarily feel the effects. A second day is a little more noticeable ~ as the spirit weakens the flesh seems to gain strength. By the third day I am in a starvation mode and my spirit crashes.

The remedy is to take in the Word and living water. But just like in my experience with the fast, my spiritual condition may continue to lack strength for a few more days. In a sense, I need to replenish my spiritual reserve. So often I could not see this principle. I'd get discouraged when I wasn't immediately strengthened again. I see now there is a process.

Fasting is a Biblical concept and has many rewards. The spiritual insights alone are astounding. At the same time, God's Word and prayer are not what we as believers should fast from. Yet that is exactly what we do when we skip this precious time. Like physical food, our spiritual intake needs to be continual.

Father, You offer me a banquet every day! Your invitation to "come and dine" is so lavishly given. May I hunger and thirst for You daily! Amen.