Written by: Katy Balsis
In October, my crazy friend, Marc, and I will be running a marathon! To build the stamina to run 26.2 miles we started training months ago. I underestimated how much of my time and energy this consumes. We meet early mornings, usually around 5 a.m., for long runs.
Some mornings, it’s rainy. Or cold. Most mornings, my bed feels so cozy and the thought of hitting the pavement sounds ridiculous! However, I know in the end, the discipline will pay off when we cross the finish line.
In order to keep our minds off the pain of running, Marc and I usually talk about a number of our favorite things, but rarely do we talk about spiritual disciplines. Although lately I’ve been thinking a lot about fasting, which is weird since training for a marathon means I should probably be eating more food. 
However, there are a number of different ways to fast – with refraining from media outlets and food or specific drinks being quite common. But regardless of what the fast is about, they all make me uncomfortable. I told this to Marc, a relatively new Christian, and his response stunned me.
“Well, I don’t understand fasting. Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, and in return, I’m supposed to give up Starbucks? Seems like we’re missing the point.”
Whoa! Instantly, I was humbled.
When I fast, I usually chose something that won’t necessarily bother me too much… like abstaining from Starbucks or Facebook. Marc and I discussed the issue of fasting for the next couple of miles. We compared it to our marathon training.
I realize that much like my marathon training prepares my physical body for the task ahead of me, Christian fasting is a discipline for the soul. By fasting, I make a conscious decision to sacrifice comfort to draw closer to the heart of Christ. Fasting allows us the privilege of sharing in His suffering.
After a couple of miles, I realized that maybe my problem with fasting is that I was missing the point all along. As with all things that are difficult, such as fasting or marathon training, there is also so much joy to be found.
May we challenge ourselves today to pray about a way we can experience the discipline of Christian fasting, and in doing so, enter into the presence of our God.
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August 19th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Wow, Marc’s response really hit the nail on the head. Fasting is something that I want to to try (and running a marathon)
August 19th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Interesting article. Fasting is something I have been struggling with and trying to find out what it really means. I get so hungry when I fast that I don’t feel like I can focus on prayer, much less get into His presence. But the “still small voice” in my mind is not letting go of this issue.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:25 am
I think that’s a refreshing and exciting way to look at it. Thank you for sharing your revelation.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:43 am
good point anytime we choose God instead of anything the result will be better
August 19th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Marc’s comment is so refreshing…very indicative of a new found faith and the beautiful realization of grace! May we all rekindle that flame.
However, I know I tend to take God’s grace and mercy for granted from time-to-time – actually more often than I’d like to admit. Depriving myself of something for a short period of time reminds me of the unimaginable sacrifice Christ and The Father made for even me.
Fasting and deprivation isn’t the point, but being reminded of Him is.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Great story Katy! I think we could all use more of God’s presence as well as Marc’s wisdom…lol. Very enjoyable to think over this one.