Fasting for the World

There is one final purpose for fasting and it is one we in developed nations do not think of as often as we should. Fasting even from one meal can remind us of what the children of God are suffering in far too many parts of the world. Here is a note taken from the World Hunger Education Service: 

“No one really knows how many people are malnourished. The statistic most frequently cited is that of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization … The most recent estimate (2006) of the FAO says that 854 million people worldwide are undernourished. This is 12.6 percent of the estimated world population of 6.6 billion. Most of the undernourished—820 million—are in developing countries. The FAO estimate is based on statistical aggregates. It looks at a country’s income level and income distribution and uses this information to estimate how many people receive such a low level of income that they are malnourished. It is not an estimate based on seeing to what extent actual people are malnourished and projecting from there (as would be done by survey sampling). … In July 2008, FAO said that an additional 50 million people became undernourished in 2007 due to higher food prices.”

It is all very well to talk about the problem and say somebody ought to do something. A fast will bring the reality home without any preaching at all. Best of all, it can help in two ways, both by raising the consciousness of the one doing the fasting, and by providing money—the money one would have used to purchase the food eaten during the time of the fast—to donate to Christian organizations who are working to combat world hunger, such as the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Our God says: “Is not this the fast which I choose? … Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ Then you will take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 58)