May: Monthly Leaders Fast
Hills & Valleys
Taking time out of our busy schedules to turn our hearts to the Lord is pivotal for everyone, especially for leaders. That's why I started the monthly leaders fast. It's a time for leaders to pull away each month from the things that distract us to reset. It doesn't require you to remove yourself from your daily work but asks you to turn off the television, log off social media, and step away from a meal or two. Why? To spend time in prayer, studying God's word, with friends or family, or going for a walk.
As leaders and, honestly, as people, life gets filled with stuff. We find ourselves looking for anything that will give us a reprieve from the stress of leadership or a quick dopamine hit. Taking time to fast or pull away can be great for helping us declutter our hearts, minds, and lives.
Jesus spoke on fasting, which is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. "Whenever you fast, don't be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting isn't obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18, CSB)
Many of us are used to corporate fasting with our church or those we lead in January or August. I love these times of fasting and seeking the Lord together, but we, as leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ, must also take time to fast privately and publicly. That's what Jesus tells us—not to make a show of fasting. I want to call you to join us on this fast, but to do it privately. Let it be between you, your family, a few friends, a couple of key team members, and the Lord. Sometimes, as leaders, we widen the circle for accountability and clarity.
I always let my family know when I am fasting because that means I won't be watching television and will take more time in the evenings for prayer, worship, Bible reading, and reflection. I would also let my assistant know for scheduling and planning purposes.
Jesus isn't concerned with others knowing that you are fasting, but is getting to the heart of the matter. We often want people to applaud us for fasting. That's why he talks about rewards—you can be praised by people for fasting or rewarded by God. Let's be leaders and people who seek to be rewarded by God.
The May Monthly Leaders Fast will start at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 5th, and end at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9th. If you want to let us know you will be joining, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/bZCkWGHrbAwbFkXE6. If you'd like to join but prefer not to sign up, that's fine. You can access the daily devotionals here each morning by 8 a.m.
The theme for the May Leaders Fast is Hills and Valleys! I look forward to seeking the Lord alongside you!