In this pandemic experience, we are learning to fast whether we want to or not. Fasting is an ancient spiritual practice, going back to the earliest practices among people of faith in the Living God. Basic commitments of worship were three-fold: Prayer, Giving Alms and Fasting. While we are having to practice social distancing even in our church fellowship groups and houses of worship, we can still give attention to these basic ways of expressing God’s love in the world.
God is listening for our prayers. In these times, my guess is that there is a lot more prayer. Just as we have heard the amusing comment that there is always prayer in school on exam days, my suspicion is that there is a lot more prayer during a pandemic.
Due to these challenging times, we are also seeing increased acts of generosity in which people of all walks of life and religious beliefs are moved with compassion to help people in various crises. Heroes are showing up every day, and it is quite heart-warming, as well as inspiring.
We are fasting from things we didn’t think we could do without. Our country is fasting from the social obsessions of sports, recreation, fashion and entertainment—and finding that those are not essentials. We are having to learn to be content with less of everything. I hope everyone finally found enough toilet paper, but you are probably much more conservative with it now. I read a joke online that we used to spin the toilet paper roll like it was the Wheel of Fortune, and now we turn it like we are cracking a safe! We are learning to be content with less in many ways.
We are eating out less—and then only by take-out, delivery or drive-thru. In my case, I am preparing every meal. I miss our favorite restaurant fare, but I am fasting from those preferences in an attempt to be safe. We are shopping less—even for less groceries—and learning to eat more simply. It’s just too time-consuming to suit up in a mask and gloves, armed with hand sanitizer and wipes—and then “stage” everything in the garage to wipe it down with disinfectant before carrying it in the house. (How do you disinfect lettuce?) So, we are doing without it. I miss it, yes, but I love life too much for the risk.
So, what are the lessons in all this? I propose that we are learning to understand better what the Apostle Paul was speaking about in his letter to the Philippians. This is a well-known passage and contains a verse greatly beloved by Christians:
“. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV).
That is the greatest lesson we can bring with us out of this apocalyptic season of world history. We really can face all situations of life through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. His Spirit indwells those who call upon His name and is with all who may not know that precious name—though they may only call out to the God of the universe in desperation. God hears. God loves all His creation. God is listening. God is answering. God will help us. And the good news of Easter is that no matter what happens, there is Resurrection! In other words, there is Hope for all circumstances!
In every person who helps anyone, God is answering. In every lab, testing for the virus or researching for a cure, God is answering. In every country, doubling efforts to protect the medical personnel and first responders, God is answering. In every retail business and restaurant, trying to take care of their employees and provide assistance in the community, God is answering. In all governments, setting policies and dedicating resources to fund all the sky-rocketing needs, God is answering. In hearts of people giving more generously to helping agencies, God is answering. We are His hands!
The message we celebrate at Christmas is “God is with us.” The message we celebrate at Easter is “God is Living and Active among us.” Let these be lessons we learn more deeply in these uncertain times. And, just maybe, we will keep the ancient practices embedded into our lives from now on. Just maybe, we will fast with gladness in order that others may have more. Just maybe, we will pray with deep faith because we know God answers. Just maybe, we will sell some of what we have—or just buy less—so that we may give more generously to those in need.
We have already seen how closely-knit the whole world really is. What began in China arrived on our doorsteps in America within a few weeks. In the face of a pandemic, there is no difference in human need. Let us learn the lesson of global love for all of mankind and obey the call of Christ to love God supremely and one another generously.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
This Post Has 2 Comments
I’m so thankful for Julia’s writings. As she encourages thoughtful, prayerful reading of the Bible, she reminds me that God is speaking to me constantly if I will only open my mind and heart to hear Him.
This is good news to hear! Thank you for sharing!