Based on “The Battle Is Not Yours, but God’s” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/9-10/10,
Message #MB403; Daily Devotional #4 - “Why Fast?”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Why fast? Christ fasted for 40 days after his baptism. Jehoshaphat and his entire kingdom fasted when they anticipated the coming of a “vast” army (2 Chronicles 20:2). We learned this week that fasting brings us closer to God. If we take time to be silent after we pray, we will actually be able to hear God speaking to us more clearly, and we can expect our prayers to be answered. Fasting is done for a number of reasons. Vegetarians make a conscious decision not to eat meat. Weight loss is often a goal for fasting. Weddings, class reunions, cruises, and numerous other social events are all reasons people give for fasting. Years ago, entire religious groups were called to fast. Refraining from eating meat on Fridays was a common practice. Just as we are wired to worship God, it appears that we are wired to seek closeness to Him through fasting.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Probably the most profound experience I have ever had regarding fasting was when I had the privilege of being with my father as his physical body died and his spiritual body entered Heaven. His fast was a consequence of his illness, but as his need for all things of this earth slowly ebbed away, his Godliness grew. As his once strong body died, his love for God grew, and his compassion for man became more intensified. He seemed to be more careful about expressing only the truth when he was conscious, but his interest in carnal matters such as politics declined. There are many questions I was left with at the time that he could not seem to answer as he passed from this world to be with God, but the smile on his face when he took his last breath gave me the comfort of knowing he had left this earth knowing he would gain eternal life in Heaven. Fasting is one of the mysteries of worship. Why did God choose this practice to give us the opportunity to show our devotion to him? Is it possible that He is preparing us for an eternity of life in heaven with him? Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" (Matthew 4:4) Fasting in our world enables us to live on God’s Word.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): What can we expect to see as a result of our church-wide fast? Can we expect teachings that are even more inspired by the Holy Spirit? Will we see prophets emerge, as when the Holy Spirit came upon Jahaziel,… as he stood in the assembly (2 Chronicles 20:14)? Will there be expansion of our Church as our latest prophetic delivery announced? Will we see an increase in creativity from our CCM ministries, increased numbers in the altar counseling room, and more insight from our devotion writing ministry? Only God can answer this question. But one thing is certain, in every Biblical instance, fasting for the right reason produces results. And you thought Christmas was over!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 6:16; Luke 5:33
blw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.