DAY 7
Matthew 6:17, 18
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Notice that Jesus said, "when you fast". This is not so much of a command as it is an assumption that his true disciples will engage in fasting and prayer. Jesus expects us to fast and pray.
I remember the first time I heard that and the impact it had on me because I had never done it before. Jesus expects me to fast and pray on occasion. When I saw that Jesus himself fasted, even though he was the Son of God, it changed my thinking on the subject as a young believer. I hope it will give you a different perspective too.
So, according to the words of Jesus, fasting is not just suggested, it is expected. It's not if you fast. It's when you fast.