**Disclaimer** This blog is not meant to tear down, but to build up. So, have an open heart and open mind. Let this convict you (in a good way) to fast before the Lord about break through in your own household. Ladies and gentlemen, the world around us is dark and dim, we need every ounce of power we can muster. Enjoy!
Matthew 6:16-18
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
I was astonished when I once heard a pastor say, " I have never heard of "fasting" before! Ummmm....really? Did you just completely skip through the book of Daniel? Wait. What about Isaiah 58, Matthew 6, Matthew 9, Luke 18, Zechariah 7, 1 Corinthians 7 etc...Or what about the fact that Jesus fasted for 40 days?
I am a firm believer in fasting. Why shouldn't I be? The Bible discusses it in more than one book, so why should I feel exempt from doing it? After all, if we are to model Jesus Christ, who fasted for 40 days, then why isn't the church inclined to fast?
Well, I think I have a pretty good idea! Does it cost you anything to pray? To read your Bible? To attend church? You may be saying, "yea, my time." Well, if that's the case, you may need to examine your walk with the Lord...if it's such a burden then maybe you need to revisit what it means to have the joy of the Lord! Just sayin'
Fasting causes us to hunger.Physically. And, well, we don't like to hunger, esp. when there is a pantry full of delicious foods calling out our name! But, that's just it. Think about the "hunger" that Jesus felt when he withdrew himself from people and from food? Not to mention, the temptation and daily attack from the enemy. Yet his reward was great!
Do I think God will withhold things from us if we don't fast? No. I will say this much, I believe some break throughs will only come through fasting, prayer and worship! I just don't mean one over the other...I mean all three working together!
I have done it in my own life and I have seen God's hand of provision work in a mighty, mighty way! Granted I haven't been on one in like 3 years...but, I recently changed that. There were somethings going on with my son, and I was really believing for breakthrough for my husband and a job. We are blessed to have jobs and it allows me the opportunity to work from home! However, the gas is ever increasing and my husband spends A LOT of time on the road. Needless to say, a good chunk of our pay was going towards gas, car maintenance and him eating out...
So, at 2am a few weeks back, I finally said, "enough is enough!" I was over it! I was doing it. I was going to fast again. Only liquids.
Would you know that within those few days I started to see such a difference in my son? No lie! Some things only come out through prayer and fasting! AND, with in the next few days my husband got a call, from out of the blue, about interviewing for a job that he is completely under qualified for and never sought out.. Yep. That's right. He got it! Some things only come out through prayer and fasting! All within that time frame we found out that Bear's ear surgery will cost, give or take, $100,000 dollars. Yes. $100,000 dollars. Granted by the time he is old enough to have it, I'm sure it will cost way more...
With that being said, we are slowly shifting into our new season. THANK YOU, LORD!!! It has been the longest year and a half of our lives. All in all-- He is faithful-- just like He said He would be! And, as his children, we will be too!
Be Blessed!
~Jenni~
