Day 1: The Motive of Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18 NIV
“16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Fasting is mentioned throughout Scripture, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (mentioned 70+ times) and is a time of abstaining from something (normally food or drink) for the purpose of seeking God and His direction for our lives. It is denying oneself for a time, what is beneficial or even needed in order to focus on deepening one’s relationship with God. In the passage above, Jesus points out to His disciples that the goal of fasting should never be to draw attention to ourselves in order to appear more holy or righteous before others. Fasting should be between you and God, but this does not mean that you can’t tell someone that you are fasting, especially if they need to know, like your spouse who may be planning dinner and needs to know that you will not be eating (if that is the case). It is about the heart. In other words, don’t use fasting as a reason to brag or elevate yourself before others. The goal is seeking the ultimate reward from God… more of His presence in your life!
God told Abraham (Abram) in the Old Testament…
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)
So, as you begin your fast, keep the goal in mind, to put aside something for a time in order to focus on God and know Him more.
Heavenly Father,
As I begin this time of fasting, I ask that You would draw nearer to me than ever before. Use this as a time to deepen the relationship that I have with You and my love for You. Help me to see Your will for my life and give me the strength to walk in it.
In Jesus Name, Amen
“16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Fasting is mentioned throughout Scripture, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (mentioned 70+ times) and is a time of abstaining from something (normally food or drink) for the purpose of seeking God and His direction for our lives. It is denying oneself for a time, what is beneficial or even needed in order to focus on deepening one’s relationship with God. In the passage above, Jesus points out to His disciples that the goal of fasting should never be to draw attention to ourselves in order to appear more holy or righteous before others. Fasting should be between you and God, but this does not mean that you can’t tell someone that you are fasting, especially if they need to know, like your spouse who may be planning dinner and needs to know that you will not be eating (if that is the case). It is about the heart. In other words, don’t use fasting as a reason to brag or elevate yourself before others. The goal is seeking the ultimate reward from God… more of His presence in your life!
God told Abraham (Abram) in the Old Testament…
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)
So, as you begin your fast, keep the goal in mind, to put aside something for a time in order to focus on God and know Him more.
Heavenly Father,
As I begin this time of fasting, I ask that You would draw nearer to me than ever before. Use this as a time to deepen the relationship that I have with You and my love for You. Help me to see Your will for my life and give me the strength to walk in it.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Day 2: The Focus of Fasting
Psalm 42:1 NIV
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God”
Today, as we begin our second day of fasting, let us focus on spending time with God and drawing near to Him. As we abstain from whatever it is that God has placed on our hearts during this time, let us seek to fill ourselves rather with His Word and presence.
Fasting at times may involve some degree of suffering or discomfort, especially if we are fasting food as hunger pains begin to set in. This suffering, however, can be a positive and not a negative thing if we allow it to focus our attention on God.
Whether you are giving up food, social media, or something else, use the time that you would normally spend consuming these things and replace it with focused time with the LORD, “practicing the presence of God” as Brother Lawrence would say. As you go about your daily duties and routines, seek His presence in even the ordinary moments of life.
“We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s Presence by continually communing with Him… We ought to give ourselves to God in both mundane and spiritual matters. We should seek our satisfaction only in fulfilling His will, whether that leads to suffering or comfort.” (Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God)
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
(Psalm 63:1 NIV)
Heavenly Father,
Today I declare that I love You and I need You more than I love or need ___________. I am choosing to deny myself this, so that I may spend this time drawing nearer to You. The great desire of my heart is to know You more. As I draw near to You, draw near to me!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God”
Today, as we begin our second day of fasting, let us focus on spending time with God and drawing near to Him. As we abstain from whatever it is that God has placed on our hearts during this time, let us seek to fill ourselves rather with His Word and presence.
Fasting at times may involve some degree of suffering or discomfort, especially if we are fasting food as hunger pains begin to set in. This suffering, however, can be a positive and not a negative thing if we allow it to focus our attention on God.
Whether you are giving up food, social media, or something else, use the time that you would normally spend consuming these things and replace it with focused time with the LORD, “practicing the presence of God” as Brother Lawrence would say. As you go about your daily duties and routines, seek His presence in even the ordinary moments of life.
“We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s Presence by continually communing with Him… We ought to give ourselves to God in both mundane and spiritual matters. We should seek our satisfaction only in fulfilling His will, whether that leads to suffering or comfort.” (Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God)
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
(Psalm 63:1 NIV)
Heavenly Father,
Today I declare that I love You and I need You more than I love or need ___________. I am choosing to deny myself this, so that I may spend this time drawing nearer to You. The great desire of my heart is to know You more. As I draw near to You, draw near to me!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 3: Fasting and Repentance
Joel 2:12 NIV
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
One aspect of fasting involves repentance. Repentance is the intentional and complete surrender of an individual to God. It is the willful choice to turn from a life of sin which is self-ruled or self-governed to a life ruled by God.
In the Old Testament repentance was a key theme or topic of the prophets of God like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others, where they would use language like “return,” “turn,” and “seek” when expressing the idea of repentance. In the New Testament repentance is a major theme and cornerstone of the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. In both ministries, repentance is emphasized as the total surrender and submission to God marked by a changed life.
Repentance is also an ongoing action for the believer. Each person is called to continually examine themselves before God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them, pointing out any areas where they need to surrender their will to God and any areas where change or transformation is needed. Fasting is more than merely a physical sign or example of our remorse and regret over sin, but it is also the physical act of denying oneself and denying the flesh in order to gain victory over the flesh and ultimately over sins' power to tempt us. It is a way to practice authority and control over the flesh to bring it into submission to Christ and under His authority.
As you continue in your fast, ask God to reveal any areas in your life where you need to surrender or submit to Him.
Heavenly Father,
Today I continue my fast and I ask that during this time You reveal to me anything that is in my life which I need to let go of and give to You. Use this as a time to strengthen my resolve against sin and temptation and exercise control and authority over my flesh. I renounce my sins, I repent of them, and I seek Your forgiveness and healing that I may have complete freedom over any bondages that I face, and I thank You for Your deliverance!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
One aspect of fasting involves repentance. Repentance is the intentional and complete surrender of an individual to God. It is the willful choice to turn from a life of sin which is self-ruled or self-governed to a life ruled by God.
In the Old Testament repentance was a key theme or topic of the prophets of God like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others, where they would use language like “return,” “turn,” and “seek” when expressing the idea of repentance. In the New Testament repentance is a major theme and cornerstone of the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. In both ministries, repentance is emphasized as the total surrender and submission to God marked by a changed life.
Repentance is also an ongoing action for the believer. Each person is called to continually examine themselves before God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them, pointing out any areas where they need to surrender their will to God and any areas where change or transformation is needed. Fasting is more than merely a physical sign or example of our remorse and regret over sin, but it is also the physical act of denying oneself and denying the flesh in order to gain victory over the flesh and ultimately over sins' power to tempt us. It is a way to practice authority and control over the flesh to bring it into submission to Christ and under His authority.
As you continue in your fast, ask God to reveal any areas in your life where you need to surrender or submit to Him.
Heavenly Father,
Today I continue my fast and I ask that during this time You reveal to me anything that is in my life which I need to let go of and give to You. Use this as a time to strengthen my resolve against sin and temptation and exercise control and authority over my flesh. I renounce my sins, I repent of them, and I seek Your forgiveness and healing that I may have complete freedom over any bondages that I face, and I thank You for Your deliverance!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 4: Fasting for Guidance and Direction
Acts 13:2 NIV
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Another aspect of fasting involves seeking guidance and direction from the Lord. In the passage above, the disciples were focusing on God and spending time in His presence through worship, prayer, and fasting, and it was during that focused time that God gave them clarity and direction for the ministry work that He had for them to do.
Fasting can be a great way to focus on hearing from God, especially when we are faced with difficult choices and circumstances, and are wanting His direction in our lives.
As we spend time with God and grow in our relationship with Him, we are placed in position to hear Him speak to us more clearly and be receptive to His guidance.
As you continue in your fast, ask God to open your heart and mind to His voice and ask Him to lead You where He would have you go.
Heavenly Father,
I come before You humbly to ask for Your guidance in my life. Help me to know and walk in the paths that You have prepared and established for me. I trust in Your plan knowing that You are good and that Your ways are higher and Your plans for me are better than my own. Lead me and guide me today!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Another aspect of fasting involves seeking guidance and direction from the Lord. In the passage above, the disciples were focusing on God and spending time in His presence through worship, prayer, and fasting, and it was during that focused time that God gave them clarity and direction for the ministry work that He had for them to do.
Fasting can be a great way to focus on hearing from God, especially when we are faced with difficult choices and circumstances, and are wanting His direction in our lives.
As we spend time with God and grow in our relationship with Him, we are placed in position to hear Him speak to us more clearly and be receptive to His guidance.
As you continue in your fast, ask God to open your heart and mind to His voice and ask Him to lead You where He would have you go.
Heavenly Father,
I come before You humbly to ask for Your guidance in my life. Help me to know and walk in the paths that You have prepared and established for me. I trust in Your plan knowing that You are good and that Your ways are higher and Your plans for me are better than my own. Lead me and guide me today!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 5: Fast of Reflection
Nehemiah 1:4 NIV
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
In this passage of Scripture, Nehemiah fasts in connection with mourning over the fallen and troubled state of Jerusalem, the city of God, during the Exile under the Babylonians and Persians. He laments the fallen state of the city, the suffering of the people, and the lack of ability to properly worship God due to the temple being in disrepair.
This highlights an important thought regarding fasting. The understanding that fasting is a way to reflect on the injustices of the world and problems of the world, and to hold them up before God and seek His healing and restoration.
It is a chance to contemplate or meditate on the real and tangible issues we face in our world today and to gain a godly perspective on them, as well as what our role should be regarding them as Christ’s representatives here on this earth.
Author Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline makes a strong point, that as Christians…
“...We have a spiritual obligation to penetrate the inner meaning of events, not to gain power but to gain prophetic perspective… the person ‘who has meditated on the Passion of Christ but has not meditated on the extermination camps of Auschwitz has not yet fully entered into the experience of Christianity in our time.’ …with the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other… We would do well to hold the events of our time before God and ask for prophetic insight to discern where these things lead… we should ask for guidance for anything we personally should be doing to be salt and light in our decaying and dark world.”
As you fast today, ask God to give you perspective regarding the state and condition of the world around you and how you can be used by Him to offer hope and model His love in the world.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to see the world and current events through Your eyes and to see the need, the hurt, and the injustice around me. Help me to be a light in the darkness. Give me a burden for the lost and a heart that seeks Your glory and Your Kingdom.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
In this passage of Scripture, Nehemiah fasts in connection with mourning over the fallen and troubled state of Jerusalem, the city of God, during the Exile under the Babylonians and Persians. He laments the fallen state of the city, the suffering of the people, and the lack of ability to properly worship God due to the temple being in disrepair.
This highlights an important thought regarding fasting. The understanding that fasting is a way to reflect on the injustices of the world and problems of the world, and to hold them up before God and seek His healing and restoration.
It is a chance to contemplate or meditate on the real and tangible issues we face in our world today and to gain a godly perspective on them, as well as what our role should be regarding them as Christ’s representatives here on this earth.
Author Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline makes a strong point, that as Christians…
“...We have a spiritual obligation to penetrate the inner meaning of events, not to gain power but to gain prophetic perspective… the person ‘who has meditated on the Passion of Christ but has not meditated on the extermination camps of Auschwitz has not yet fully entered into the experience of Christianity in our time.’ …with the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other… We would do well to hold the events of our time before God and ask for prophetic insight to discern where these things lead… we should ask for guidance for anything we personally should be doing to be salt and light in our decaying and dark world.”
As you fast today, ask God to give you perspective regarding the state and condition of the world around you and how you can be used by Him to offer hope and model His love in the world.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to see the world and current events through Your eyes and to see the need, the hurt, and the injustice around me. Help me to be a light in the darkness. Give me a burden for the lost and a heart that seeks Your glory and Your Kingdom.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 6: The Heart of Fasting
Isaiah 58:6-7 NIV
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Take time and read Isaiah chapter 58. In this chapter we get a firsthand look into the heart of God and His desire for what fasting should be and what it should bring about in us.
Fasting is not a method of manipulating God into doing what we want. It is not a way of changing or altering God or His outlook or views. Quite the opposite, fasting is a way to alter us, to bring our views in alignment with God’s and to see what really matters to Him. It is a way to reflect on the needs around us and to learn to deny ourselves so that we have resources available to supply to others.
“God calls for behavior that is self-forgetful and outward-looking. Let acts of self-denial be for the sake of others and not for one’s own sake. Work “to set the oppressed free” (58:6). Eat less in order to have food to give to the “hungry.” Wear less-expensive clothes in order to clothe the “naked” (58:7, 10). This is the kind of cessation and self-affliction God has “chosen.” (Josh N. Oswalt, NIV Application Commentary, Isaiah)
Fasting is about denying oneself and shifting the focus off of our wants, desires, and even needs, in order to look to and seek the good of others.
As you fast today, reflect on the many blessings that God has given you in your life, and offer thanks for His provision, but as you do, also reflect on any areas of excess which there may be in your life. Ask God to alter your heart so that you are able to focus less on self and more on the needs of those around you.
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for all that You have blessed me with. Your provision is an abundant blessing to me daily. Lord, help me to see any areas of excess in my life and teach me to deny myself so that I may be able to be a blessing to others. Help me to see the need around me and to meet those needs in love.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Take time and read Isaiah chapter 58. In this chapter we get a firsthand look into the heart of God and His desire for what fasting should be and what it should bring about in us.
Fasting is not a method of manipulating God into doing what we want. It is not a way of changing or altering God or His outlook or views. Quite the opposite, fasting is a way to alter us, to bring our views in alignment with God’s and to see what really matters to Him. It is a way to reflect on the needs around us and to learn to deny ourselves so that we have resources available to supply to others.
“God calls for behavior that is self-forgetful and outward-looking. Let acts of self-denial be for the sake of others and not for one’s own sake. Work “to set the oppressed free” (58:6). Eat less in order to have food to give to the “hungry.” Wear less-expensive clothes in order to clothe the “naked” (58:7, 10). This is the kind of cessation and self-affliction God has “chosen.” (Josh N. Oswalt, NIV Application Commentary, Isaiah)
Fasting is about denying oneself and shifting the focus off of our wants, desires, and even needs, in order to look to and seek the good of others.
As you fast today, reflect on the many blessings that God has given you in your life, and offer thanks for His provision, but as you do, also reflect on any areas of excess which there may be in your life. Ask God to alter your heart so that you are able to focus less on self and more on the needs of those around you.
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for all that You have blessed me with. Your provision is an abundant blessing to me daily. Lord, help me to see any areas of excess in my life and teach me to deny myself so that I may be able to be a blessing to others. Help me to see the need around me and to meet those needs in love.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 7: The Bread of Fasting
Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God. We abstain from what is good in exchange for what is best. In doing so we declare our need for God above all else.
As you continue in your fast, spend time thanking God for all that He has blessed you with and acknowledge before Him that the greatest blessing is the blessing of Himself and to do His will.
“Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:31-34)
Ask God to reveal to You His purpose and will for your life today and thank Him for His presence with You!
Heavenly Father,
I am thankful before You today! I give honor and glory and praise to Your holy Name! Father, today I ask that You would give me my daily bread. Provide for my physical needs, but above even my physical needs, I ask that You provide me with the bread of Your presence. I confess that “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). Lord Jesus, I believe and know that You are the Bread that came down from heaven, and those who come to You “will never go hungry” (John 6:35). Give me today work to do for Your glory!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God. We abstain from what is good in exchange for what is best. In doing so we declare our need for God above all else.
As you continue in your fast, spend time thanking God for all that He has blessed you with and acknowledge before Him that the greatest blessing is the blessing of Himself and to do His will.
“Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:31-34)
Ask God to reveal to You His purpose and will for your life today and thank Him for His presence with You!
Heavenly Father,
I am thankful before You today! I give honor and glory and praise to Your holy Name! Father, today I ask that You would give me my daily bread. Provide for my physical needs, but above even my physical needs, I ask that You provide me with the bread of Your presence. I confess that “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). Lord Jesus, I believe and know that You are the Bread that came down from heaven, and those who come to You “will never go hungry” (John 6:35). Give me today work to do for Your glory!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 8: Fasting and Self-Denial
Matthew 16:24 NIV
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Fasting is a way that we can practice self control and impulse control. The spiritual discipline of fasting helps us to learn to be in better possession of ourselves instead of being controlled by the flesh and at the whim of its every fancy. In learning to deny the good and necessary needs of the body, we gain greater control over our fleshy impulses, so that when our flesh is drawn after the things of the sinful nature we are better disciplined to withstand. Fasting, therefore, is a way to exercise and strengthen one's resolve so that when temptation comes we are able to deny ourselves and follow Christ in obedience.
“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
(1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV)
Heavenly Father,
I am grateful before You today for all that You have accomplished for me and all that You will to accomplish in me and through me! Great is Your Name and Your faithfulness in all the earth. LORD, I pray today that as I draw near to You and seek to put my flesh in submission through this fast, as I choose to deny myself, that You would use it to develop in me strength and perseverance that I would be able to stand in the moment of temptation. As I practice this discipline I ask that You would give me a greater understanding and reliance upon You, for I know that through You all things are possible, and in You I can have the victory!
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Fasting is a way that we can practice self control and impulse control. The spiritual discipline of fasting helps us to learn to be in better possession of ourselves instead of being controlled by the flesh and at the whim of its every fancy. In learning to deny the good and necessary needs of the body, we gain greater control over our fleshy impulses, so that when our flesh is drawn after the things of the sinful nature we are better disciplined to withstand. Fasting, therefore, is a way to exercise and strengthen one's resolve so that when temptation comes we are able to deny ourselves and follow Christ in obedience.
“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
(1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV)
Heavenly Father,
I am grateful before You today for all that You have accomplished for me and all that You will to accomplish in me and through me! Great is Your Name and Your faithfulness in all the earth. LORD, I pray today that as I draw near to You and seek to put my flesh in submission through this fast, as I choose to deny myself, that You would use it to develop in me strength and perseverance that I would be able to stand in the moment of temptation. As I practice this discipline I ask that You would give me a greater understanding and reliance upon You, for I know that through You all things are possible, and in You I can have the victory!
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Day 9: Fasting and Resilience
Psalm 55:22 NIV
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
As we approach the end of our fast, it may have been a real struggle for you to get to this point. Maybe things have gotten more difficult over the last few days. Let me encourage you today, if you have made it this far you can make it the rest of the way. I know this because God’s word tells me that He is able to sustain you! So take heart! God is able, He is more than capable, and He will strengthen you. Persist, because through the struggle you will be blessed, because you will see the power of God at work in you, His strength in your weakness!
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Heavenly Father,
I seek to draw near to you through this time of fasting. I will endure with gladness of heart because I know that in the midst You are with me and Your hand will guide me and strengthen me” LORD, draw near to me, comfort me, reveal Yourself to me. I want to know You more!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
As we approach the end of our fast, it may have been a real struggle for you to get to this point. Maybe things have gotten more difficult over the last few days. Let me encourage you today, if you have made it this far you can make it the rest of the way. I know this because God’s word tells me that He is able to sustain you! So take heart! God is able, He is more than capable, and He will strengthen you. Persist, because through the struggle you will be blessed, because you will see the power of God at work in you, His strength in your weakness!
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Heavenly Father,
I seek to draw near to you through this time of fasting. I will endure with gladness of heart because I know that in the midst You are with me and Your hand will guide me and strengthen me” LORD, draw near to me, comfort me, reveal Yourself to me. I want to know You more!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Day 10: The Control of Fasting
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Over the last 10 days, one of the aspects of fasting that we have looked at has been learning to gain control over the flesh. We have talked about how the flesh needs food to survive, and yet we can deny ourselves food for a season and live. If you are fasting food, even if it is just one meal a day, by now you have probably noticed that the flesh complains against this denial. The flesh desires food. The flesh also desires comfort. If we are honest with ourselves, we can probably all agree, we do not like to suffer. We are creatures of comfort and ease.
Perhaps you have fasted something other than food, like coffee, sweets, or social media, and these are things that are a part of your regular life which bring you pleasure or comfort. What I hope you have learned through this time is that fasting is not only a way to gain control over our flesh but also a way to understand and realize that we do not always need to satisfy the flesh with absolute comfort.
Consider this, as you look at other areas of your life where the flesh seeks to be in comfort… You don't always have to have the seat on the bus… or the soft cushion in the group of chairs… you can stand that others may sit… you can choose the hard seat that others may have the cushioned seat. The flesh certainly will not thank you for it, but we are not called to cater to our flesh, we are called to have dominion over it, and called to serve others and look to their needs more than our own.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to be content in any and every situation. I seek to please You and not my flesh. As I conclude my fast, help me gain a godly perspective on what is truly important in life. Help me see that when I have You I have everything!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Over the last 10 days, one of the aspects of fasting that we have looked at has been learning to gain control over the flesh. We have talked about how the flesh needs food to survive, and yet we can deny ourselves food for a season and live. If you are fasting food, even if it is just one meal a day, by now you have probably noticed that the flesh complains against this denial. The flesh desires food. The flesh also desires comfort. If we are honest with ourselves, we can probably all agree, we do not like to suffer. We are creatures of comfort and ease.
Perhaps you have fasted something other than food, like coffee, sweets, or social media, and these are things that are a part of your regular life which bring you pleasure or comfort. What I hope you have learned through this time is that fasting is not only a way to gain control over our flesh but also a way to understand and realize that we do not always need to satisfy the flesh with absolute comfort.
Consider this, as you look at other areas of your life where the flesh seeks to be in comfort… You don't always have to have the seat on the bus… or the soft cushion in the group of chairs… you can stand that others may sit… you can choose the hard seat that others may have the cushioned seat. The flesh certainly will not thank you for it, but we are not called to cater to our flesh, we are called to have dominion over it, and called to serve others and look to their needs more than our own.
Heavenly Father,
Help me to be content in any and every situation. I seek to please You and not my flesh. As I conclude my fast, help me gain a godly perspective on what is truly important in life. Help me see that when I have You I have everything!
In Jesus Name, Amen.