Lent Day 38, Friday, March 27, 2026

“24-Hour Fast”

Wait!  Don’t hang up!  You can do this.

Fasting from food for 24 hours is not as difficult as you might think. First, remember that part of that time will be spent sleeping. Second, if today does not work for you, choose another day and give it a try.

The goal of this Lenten challenge is to refrain from food for one full day. One helpful approach is to eat an early dinner on Thursday and then avoid food throughout Friday until you reach the 24-hour mark. I do this often. If I eat at 5:00 pm on Thursday, I can complete my fast by 5:00 pm on Friday. Done.

What about the rules?  Drinks are allowed, but be wise. Loading up on sugary or empty-calorie drinks will not help. Alcohol without food is not a good idea. Water is best, and fruit or vegetable juices can also be helpful since they provide nutrients and can take the edge off hunger.

The purpose of fasting is to give glory to God. We step away from something we depend on in order to remember what matters most. Food is important, and most of us have plenty of it. But it is the Lord who provides it. Fasting gives us an opportunity to pause, give thanks, and place God first.

Today, you may feel like you are choosing between a cheeseburger and God. If so, choose God. The cheeseburger will still be there later.

You may be surprised by what you can do with a little planning, a little discipline, and a focused heart.

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’”  (Matthew 4:4, NIV)