When we first see Gideon in the Scriptures, we see him attempting to hide his wheat from the continually invading nomadic tribe of the Midianites. He was afraid of the potential loss to his food supply and thus his ability to thrive, or even survive, in what ought be the greatest years of his life. In denial of his authority in God, he was choosing self-sufficiency over divine-supply. And while Gideon was concentrated on his agenda towards personal dependence, the angel of the Lord was patiently sitting underneath the shade of the terebinth watching mans exercise in futility.
It is so easy for us to become consumed by the oncoming threats, dangers and risks of what may lie before us. We do not see what the future holds, so instinct compels us to ‘take care of our own’. Fasting is that spiritual discipline which takes our eyes off of what is ours and reminds us that life, and all its fullness, comes from the Lord. It teaches us the simplicity of Matthew 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or what shall we wear?” When we fast we see the Lord working all things together for our good.
Gideon’s encounter with the Lord changed his entire approach.
Gideon’s encounter with the Lord changed his entire approach. His worry over the absence of provisions switched to the giving of a substantial offering. This is the mystery of fasting; the power to turn our worries to worship and our fears to faith. The Lord is waiting patiently, will you encounter Him through fasting?
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