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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “good fasts take time” To fast means to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance. Good fasts take time therefore they are not to be observed lightly and in a rush. We shall focus on the fact that Good fasts take time and are God-centred therefore they must be well planned and observed.

King Saul and his army were in battle with the Philistines. At the time when the Isrealites army needed the energy to pursue the Philistines, “…the Israelites were in distress that day because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food.” (1 Samuel 14:24). How would the soldiers have the energy to chase the Philistines if they do not have enough to eat? Saul had declared and imposed a fast on his soldiers with an oath of a curse because He was bent on closing down on his enemies. This was a decision solely taken by Saul without considering the consequences of such a decision on his soldiers’ output or performance. A fast must not be declared in a rush for personal convenience, especially, when it has to do with our personal ambitions. Jonathan, the son of Saul who was not aware of the fast declared by his father, was hungry and ate honey while also in pursuit of the Philistines. We are told Jonathan “…reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. ²⁸ Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.” (1 Samuel 14:27-28). King Saul failed to take time to plan the fast he had imposed on his army and this made his soldiers faint out of hunger instead of focusing on the task ahead. Sometimes we may have good intentions but the timing and execution of our good intentions may be bad. It is for this reason we need to prayerfully and carefully submit our plans and intentions into God’s hands and also think of others before executing them as leaders. Fasting is good yet when it is poorly observed it may not yield its spiritual and physical benefits. Good fasting takes time and it is God-centered and not human-centered.

Again, Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:” This means that there is time to eat and work and there is time to fast and pray. Why would Saul expect soldiers who are on the battlefield to fast when they need food and energy to fight? Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 5:18 that “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Good fasts take time therefore people must be psychologically, spiritually, physically and emotionally prepared to observe fasts. The ultimate goal is to please God and do His will during fasting. Fasting is not meant to fulfil our personal desires but to get close to God and do His will.

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Good fasts take time”. We have discovered that Good fasts take time because they are God-centered and not human-centred therefore they must not be rushed but well-planned and observed to reflect the will of God in our lives.

PRAYER
1. Let us pray to God to help us plan and observe Good fasts that are centred on Him and not on our personal and selfish ambitions.
2. Let us pray for our leaders to make decisions that will reflect the will of God for His people and not be accustomed to making decisions that will negatively impact the lives of people.
3. Let us pray for the discernment to do the right thing at the right time.

Holy Spirit, guide our steps to always observe good fasts and also make decisions that are pleasing to God so that His grace and blessings will forever be upon our lives. Amen.