Have you ever fasted and experienced God answer your prayers over and above what you were asking Him? Fasting and prayer are often topics we want to skip over. Well, the fasting part anyway. The mere thought of giving up food brings a discomfort we may not want to consider. As a friend of mine says, “I love my groceries.” Like myself, some of you may identify with this statement. Some of us cannot give up food for very long periods because of health reasons. Understood.
So why should we even think about fasting? An extensive article would need to be written to mention all the Biblical accounts of fasting. This article will touch on the intent of fasting.
The fast God called all the children of Israel to was during the Day of Atonement. They were to humble their souls, do no work (fast-deny-humble themselves) for it was a day they would be cleansed of their sins. The people of Israel and others (from other cultures) living among them were to participate in this fast. (Leviticus 16:29-31 referenced)
Here are a few biblical characters that fasted: David, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, Ezra, Anna, JESUS, the Disciples, Paul, and others as they were planting churches.
God’s intent of the heart of the fast was for the people to deny, humble and surrender themselves and recognize outside of His mercy and grace, they were without hope.
As a ministry of the Evangelism + Church Health Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Baptist Collegiate Ministry pursues college students in evangelism, discipleship, building leaders and providing ministry opportunities. A key ministry opportunity is through mission trips.
On one international mission trip, God answered a specific prayer and allowed me to meet and interview seven native house church leaders in that country. These pastors were being trained and equipped by a couple of International Mission Board (MB) missionaries. Their ministries were experiencing incredible growth of the lost coming to faith in Christ. The new believers became passionate and began spreading the Great news rapidly. They shared they were witnessing the presence and power of God. I asked them what they thought contributed to His presence and power. They said, “prayer and fasting.”
I asked, “How often?”
They looked at me a little funny and said, “We never stop.”
“How does that work?” I asked.
They said, “One prays and fasts in the morning, one at noon, one in the evening….it never stops.”
My heart was pierced.
They knew the enemy was against the transforming work of Christ that was going on and he would try to stop it. So, they committed to praying and fasting for the lost and in bondage and they witnessed God tearing down strongholds, breaking up hard ground and setting captives free!
Our next generation of students in high schools and colleges have so many challenges. They are in a prime place to respond to the Gospel. Many are tired of the way society has turned, and the confusion of sexual identity that has a delusional grip on so many. Many are longing for spiritual conversations. They need the power of the Gospel in their lives.
Maybe this is an idea that strikes a chord with you. You are so burdened for loved ones who are far from God. You are willing to deny yourself in a fast and seek His face. The fast could be from food. But a fast can be from a hobby or social media. A fast is where you deny yourself, humble yourself before God and spend intimate time with Him and surrender to Him as you lay down your request. Maybe you also are gripped by the thought that the House Church pastors never stopped fasting and praying. Ask others in your church and your pastor if they would like to join you.
As you pray, please remember the Next Generation. Pray for the lost and in bondage; the tearing down of strongholds, breaking up of hard ground, and for those in captivity to be set free from the enemy’s grip.
May God send a great awakening of lost souls and revival for His church.
When we fast, we are saying the cry of our soul to God is greater than the cry of our stomach or time.