As we continue in the fast this week, I want to encourage you by offering perhaps a different perspective on the heart of fasting.
Fasting Is a Form of Worship
Fasting is the act of laying down: what I want, what I desire, and what I think I need in exchange for what God knows is best for me. It is a bold declaration that says there is nothing I want more than God, His presence and His desires.
Fasting Is a Physical Declaration of Our Faith
Fasting proclaims physically what we are called to declare verbally. Declaring the Word of God over your life is monumental in the process of spiritual growth and maturity. We must feast on, believe, and declare what God Word says—regardless of our present circumstances. When we add fasting to our faith and declarations, it releases a level of power that cannot be found any other way.
Fasting Empowers Us to Be Purified—and Comes With a Promise
The rawness of fasting can expose how carnal and natural we can be, and at times it can be downright ugly. Fasting brings the "crud" to the surface. When that happens, it is the perfect opportunity to bring those things—those raw places—to the feet of Jesus and repent.
In true repentance there is always a blessing. It says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Fasting Is a Time of Being Set Apart by God
During fasting is is vitally important to seek and listen to Gods heart and His desires. If you truly love someone, you ask them what they care about and what matters to them. We must do the same in our relationship with the Lord.
In Acts 13:2 and 14:23, we see men of character gathering together to seek the Lord about how to proceed in building the church. They didn't simply do what seemed best to them—they asked the Lord and waited for His response.
We know this honors God because in Genesis 4:3-5, Scripture makes it clear that Abel brought exactly what the Lord desired, while Cain brought what was easiest. The Word says the Lord had no regard for Cain's offering.
God Answers Those Who Fast and Pray
God honors the sacrifice of prayer and fasting. Throughout Scripture, both men and women are called out by name and recorded forever so we can learn from their obedience.
Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Esther, David, Anna, and many others are remembered because their obedience in fasting and prayer kept their hearts close to God. The course of history was changed forever because of their obedience!
God Does Have a Favorite Fast
Isaiah 58:3-5 speaks of a false fast—a fast of the body but not of the heart. But the chapter continues on to tell us the fast God loves:
Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV)
Final Encouragement
Remember, fasting is never about what we are giving up—it is always about what we are gaining.
We have come to a place where we stop bringing sacrifices to cover sin and instead become the sacrifice that offers everything. When we truly turn our lives over to the Lord, we become people who can once again change history—for His glory.
Julie Schilling
Fasting Is a Form of Worship
Fasting is the act of laying down: what I want, what I desire, and what I think I need in exchange for what God knows is best for me. It is a bold declaration that says there is nothing I want more than God, His presence and His desires.
Fasting Is a Physical Declaration of Our Faith
Fasting proclaims physically what we are called to declare verbally. Declaring the Word of God over your life is monumental in the process of spiritual growth and maturity. We must feast on, believe, and declare what God Word says—regardless of our present circumstances. When we add fasting to our faith and declarations, it releases a level of power that cannot be found any other way.
Fasting Empowers Us to Be Purified—and Comes With a Promise
The rawness of fasting can expose how carnal and natural we can be, and at times it can be downright ugly. Fasting brings the "crud" to the surface. When that happens, it is the perfect opportunity to bring those things—those raw places—to the feet of Jesus and repent.
In true repentance there is always a blessing. It says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Fasting Is a Time of Being Set Apart by God
During fasting is is vitally important to seek and listen to Gods heart and His desires. If you truly love someone, you ask them what they care about and what matters to them. We must do the same in our relationship with the Lord.
In Acts 13:2 and 14:23, we see men of character gathering together to seek the Lord about how to proceed in building the church. They didn't simply do what seemed best to them—they asked the Lord and waited for His response.
We know this honors God because in Genesis 4:3-5, Scripture makes it clear that Abel brought exactly what the Lord desired, while Cain brought what was easiest. The Word says the Lord had no regard for Cain's offering.
God Answers Those Who Fast and Pray
God honors the sacrifice of prayer and fasting. Throughout Scripture, both men and women are called out by name and recorded forever so we can learn from their obedience.
Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Esther, David, Anna, and many others are remembered because their obedience in fasting and prayer kept their hearts close to God. The course of history was changed forever because of their obedience!
God Does Have a Favorite Fast
Isaiah 58:3-5 speaks of a false fast—a fast of the body but not of the heart. But the chapter continues on to tell us the fast God loves:
Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV)
"Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."
Final Encouragement
Remember, fasting is never about what we are giving up—it is always about what we are gaining.
We have come to a place where we stop bringing sacrifices to cover sin and instead become the sacrifice that offers everything. When we truly turn our lives over to the Lord, we become people who can once again change history—for His glory.
Julie Schilling