FASTING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS
Daphne Powell
Today's Scripture: “And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore, love truth and peace.”’ Zechariah 8:18-19, ESV
Theme: Fast after a spiritual high and on behalf of others.
FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE
Fasting is thought of as painful, hard, full of repentance and only used when desperate in prayer because you need something from God. But how about fasting for what He has done? Connecting with God in a way which expresses thankfulness for being our Bread of Life and Living Water? How about spending time in prayer and solitude, thankful for the victory God has given in your life? Acknowledging His strength and guidance? Fasting is a tool or discipline which can help you to become stronger in your faith and closer to God. What better reason to fast than to show Him your faith in knowing that the victories in your life are because of Him?
FOR OTHERS
How about fasting for what God has done and can do in the life of others? The Lord fasted not just for His own personal needs, but so He could faithfully and completely follow God’s plan for those He ministered to and truly be the Savior of all. In the same way, we can grow closer to God when we show that we love others as our brothers and sisters. What better reason to fast than to show Him your faith and your love and care for others? To fast and pray for others and claim victory in their lives is a gift and sacrifice that God honors.
FOR HIS WILL
Have you ever thought about fasting for His will? When we fast to seek guidance for what He has in store for our lives--not praying for needs but praying for His will to be done, God responds and honors that. When Jesus fasted, it was to have direction and clarity from God. We, too, can faithfully fast to show Him our faith and willingness to walk His walk in our lives.
Make It Personal: Fasting is hard when I don’t go into it with the right mindset. At those times, I tend to focus on being hungry instead of being in the moment with God. I wonder how many days I must fast before God takes me seriously. Yet the act of fasting is nothing if I don’t have a godly reason for fasting.
Pray: Dear Lord, I pray we would be able to focus more on You and the strength You give us. Let our fasting be about growing closer to You. Amen
Read: Matthew 6:16-18, Mark 9:29, Acts 13:2-3
Weekly Memory Verse: “It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:9, ESV