God created us to eat and to delight in eating. Food and drink are part of survival and celebration. They are beautiful parts of our lives. Therefore, choosing not to eat when you could is a signifcant act of self-control and sacrifice. For this reason, fasting has been an expression of spiritual devotion throughout history and across many cultures. Jesus did it and taught His disciples to do so because it brings our focus onto what we need more than food--the presence of God.