An Update
By erin conner
Fasting and prayer are two spiritual disciplines recorded in Scripture that help to align people’s hearts with the Lord’s. Which is why, in part, Christian Union America leads two nationwide fasts each year toward its mission to develop and connect transformative Christian leaders for national revival and reformation. As Chuck Hetzler, Vice President of Biblical theology for Christian Union, states, “the Scriptures are clear: God is moved by the humility that fasting demonstrates when it is combined with proper attitudes and actions surrendered to God’s ways.”
Currently, one of CU America’s bi-annual fasts is underway. It began on Tuesday, August 1 with 5,175 participants from across the country and will continue through Monday, August 14, 2023. Approximately a quarter of the participants involved in this fast are alumni from our nation’s top 30 colleges and universities.
This fast urges American Christians to do two things:
First, abstain from food for some or all of the days of the fast as a way of humbling oneself before God. Biblical Fasting refers specifically to abstaining from food for a period of time; it does not simply mean abstaining. Second, immerse oneself in Scripture by reading the New Testament. Each person who signs up for this fast will receive an emailed daily devotional reading. Daily devotions focus on the value of the Bible and include the suggested readings from the entire New Testament.
Each participant decides how to abstain from food and/or drink during these days. The Bible provides different examples of fasting, from eating only one meal per day to forgoing all foods for multiple days in a row. Only rarely and in very exceptional circumstances does someone abstain from both food and drink. Hetzler encourages each participant to ask God how to fast, and to consult a doctor, if you have any questions or concerns about fasting.” He also suggests checking out these stop-allergy-meds.com, especially if fasting is new to you: What You’ve Always Wondered about Fasting and Modern Resources on Fasting.
Regardless of how each participant decides to fast, the purpose is the same: to whole-heartedly seek God and to humbly and fervently petition the Lord for renewal in ourselves and in our country for His Kingdom and His Glory.
It is not too late for participants, families, and/or churches to join the final 5 days of this fast by signing up at CUAmerica.org/fast today.
May all who join find deeper nourishment and revival for their souls in the Word of God, for “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
