fasting-The Real Essence
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast,
call a solemn assembly (Joel 2:15).
People fast for different reasons. Some fast
because they want to get an answer from God,
thinking their fasting would compel Him to answer
them. They see fasting as a means of getting God to
do something He ordinarily wouldn’t have done, had
they not fasted. That’s the wrong idea about fasting.
I do fast, but I don’t fast to get God to do something for
me. If you’re fasting so that God will do something for
you, then you’re doing it for the wrong reason, because
He’s done everything for you already. He already said,
“All things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21); so what
then is the purpose of fasting?
You should fast, primarily, because it’s good
spiritual exercise designed to bring the flesh under
subjection of the spirit. Fasting gets you attuned to the
Spirit to hear what God is saying, and be guided to do
His will and follow His purpose for your life. Fasting
helps you to align with God’s will and purpose, and
positions you rightly for God’s Word to come to you.
God may have been speaking to you and you may
have not been picking His signals. However, through
fasting you become sensitive and ready to receive the
guidance and direction He’s giving you.
Secondly, and very importantly, you should fast
as an act of worship to the Lord. You can decide you
just want to give the Lord a lot of attention, to love and
cherish Him for some number of days or over a period.
At such times you stay away from everything else,
especially food, and just focus on Him, fellowshipping with Him.
As you prepare for the coming year, take time to
fast and pray; but let it be an opportunity to love and
appreciate the Lord. Let it be a time to celebrate the
Word and make your faith effectual by acknowledging
the good things the Lord has done in you, and for you,
in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
Confession
Precious Lord, my soul thirsts for you. You alone are my heart’s
desire and all I want and long for is to worship and adore you,
my Lord and my King! Thank you for making my life glorious,
and blessing me with all that I require to be effectual in the
life of righteousness. I love you blessed Jesus! Amen.
Further Study:
Isaiah 58:6-8; 2 Chronicles 20:3
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Zechariah 9-11
revelation 19:11-21
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
revelation 21:1-12
Zechariah 11-12