Matthew 6:16-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)
16And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already. 17But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face, 18So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.
16And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already. 17But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face, 18So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.
Most of what really counts for God is the stuff we do that no one knows about except us and God. This kind of relationship with God depends not on the accolades of men, but instead on intimacy with the Lord. The scripture says if our motivation for "doing" good deeds is so that we will be noticed by others, then all our reward will consist of is that recognition. God wants us to know that the power in fasting is the secrecy of it. The moment we want someone to recognize how "spiritual" we are the benefit of fasting is lost and we are on some "glorified diet". God admonishes us through this scripture to appear normal as we fast. Hypocrites walk around with a weak look, waiting for someone to ask why they are so glum and sober. Why? So they would ask and we could declare our superior spiritual stance by saying, "I'M FASTING TO THE LORD!" NO...WE ARE FASTING FOR OTHERS RECOGNITION.
God not only tells us to refrain from looking sad and somber but He gives us instruction about how to appear as we fast. He says to wash our face, sweeten our smell and act normal so that only God knows what is going on. Does that mean there is no reward coming for our fasting? NOT AT ALL. When we fast and pray we get spiritual insight and the Lord reveals to us the keys to breaking through strongholds and setting captives free. Jesus said that some victories over demonic forces only come through prayer combined with fasting. When someone's soul hangs in the balance there is not price too great to pay for that kind of victory.
George Anne and I have witnessed first-hand God's reward as those we have ministered to have been set free from the grasp of the enemy. What better, more open reward could a child of the King ask for than seeing the power of God fall on someone? When you set out to fast, check your motivation and pull close to the Lord. HE WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU!! Just sayin'.....
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