We LOVE the idea of fasting but HATE the practice of fasting. The main reasons are that we don’t like being hungry and we love food! But let’s not let these powerful temptations overshadow the value of going without what we want. When we can say no to food this translates to the ability to say no to other desires.  Not all our wants are good for us, so it is important that we are able to say no. This isn’t just a self-discipline “no”, this is a grace-filled, God-inspired “no”. In Titus, the apostle Paul talks about how God is at work in this process.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12)

The difficulty with this reorientation process is that our human nature and our culture cultivate a life that revolves around our wants and desires.  I Peter 4:1-2 (Message) indicates that it is through suffering that we are able to strangle our selfishness.

Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

So, in a society where we have so much, suffering isn’t always apparent.  Fasting is a way to embrace suffering in our lives… Really, when we fast, something bigger is going on. We are physically demonstrating a spiritual reality. We are saying, “Our greatest hunger in life is God.”