Good Friday, March 29, 2024
“24-Hour Fast”
We made it! Just as I figured, the 24-Hour Fast has returned for its appearance in the Final Four. Last Friday, we encountered this same Lenten Challenge as it bulldogged its way into our brackets, and, as expected, it’s still winning.
Today’s Challenge is to refrain from food for twenty-four hours. When I published the schedule of Challenges at the beginning of Lent, I attempted to give participants as much notice as possible, especially regarding the Friday Fast Challenges. On previous Fridays this Lenten Season, we gave up Meat, Caffeine, and Sugars/Sweeteners. We also spent one Friday with Water as our only beverage for the day. Another Friday we intentionally ate Green, Healthy stuff.
I always schedule the 24-hour Food Fasts as the last two Fridays in Lent. I scheduled this back-to-back because I recognize that it’s very difficult for people to complete this one, and I’ve found it helpful to give us a trial run before the Big One. I call today the “Big One” because it’s Good Friday, the day Jesus gave up his life and died on our behalf.
In honor of Good Friday, our Lenten Challenge is to refrain from eating food for 24 hours. All drinks are fine today, including protein drinks, smoothies, and whatever else. Because the Challenge is for 24 hours, we begin with the last food we consumed. So, if you haven’t eaten anything since last evening, you’re already halfway to the goal! If, however, you’ve already consumed food today, I suggest you wait and begin this Challenge tonight. Eat an early dinner and then begin your 24 hours. It’s a whole lot easier than you might think.
It’s Good Friday. Jesus gave his life. We just need to give up broccoli, pizza, fish, and burgers for a day. We can do this for one day in honor of what the LORD still does for us each day. If, however, your medical team would not approve of you participating in the Challenge, by all means, follow the doctor’s orders. Instead of this Challenge, read the Bible for 15 minutes AND Pray for 15 minutes.
It’s a No Food Friday for 24 hours!
“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3b, NRSV).
