Good Friday, April 18, 2025
“24-Hour Fast”
It’s back, bigger and bolder than ever! Well, not really. The 24-hour total fast appears twice each year during our Lenten Challenges. Today, Good Friday, is the second complete fast this year. All drinks are okay today, but no food for 24 hours.
Why are we fasting for a second time this year? Three reasons: First, a total fast during Lent is a regular part of spiritual practice throughout the world. This is not unusual at all. Second, it’s Good Friday, and if Christians are going to practice a day of fasting, this is the day to choose. Honor God by reflecting on what God did for us on Good Friday. Third, since we tried this Challenge last week, we get another shot at it. If we were successful last week, we know we can do it again. If we didn’t succeed last week, we get another chance.
Remember, the goal in this Lenten Challenge is not to eat for 24 hours. If you’re lucky, you haven’t eaten anything yet today. Just count backward to your last food consumption and begin counting from that point. See? You’re almost home.
Of course, this author is aware of a trick. On whatever day you wish to start this Challenge, eat your final meal early so that you can have a full dinner the next evening. For example, if you eat dinner early on Thursday evening, like 5 pm, then by Friday evening at 5:01 pm, you are finished with your fast and can eat what you want!
You can do this. One person informed me that she had never tried this. When she saw the devotion for last Friday, she decided to try the total fast for 24 hours. She never thought she would be successful, but guess what? She did it! I wish you could have seen her face while she told me this story. It still makes me feel good to know how happy she was to accomplish something so easily.
However, keep this in mind: If your doctor would not approve of you fasting for 24 hours, then don’t! Follow the doctor’s instructions. Eat an apple and have a great day, praying for one hour instead!
We can do this. God made a great commitment to us, and we can commit ourselves to focus on the LORD today.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3, CEB)
