Luke 5:33-39
All too often when we think about fasting; immediately we think about not eating a meal. When in reality we should not be focusing on what we will be missing when we don’t eat but rather what we will gain when we focus on JESUS.
When JESUS was questioned about why HIS followers did not fast and pray HIS answer was that there was no need for that because HE is the bride groom and that HE is with them. However, there will come a time when HE will no longer be with them and fasting and prayer will be required.
So what does it mean to fast? Simple to abstain or deny yourself of;
- Something or someone that you consider to be of great importance.
- Something or someone you think that you can’t do without for twenty-four or more hours; a week or a month.Benefit of biblical fasting; a closeness to the FATHER; JESUS and the Holy Spirit. A deeper understanding of the Word of the LORD GOD. To increase your ability to hear the voice of the LORD. Encourages your willingness to obey as our faith is being stretched. Often times those things that we desire from the LORD or need to hear an answer is difficult because we have not sacrificed those things we consider of great importance HIM. For instance instead of eating a meal surrender eating and or drinking to just reading and praying. Every moment that you are hungry or craving to eat; eat and drink the Word of our LORD GOD and pray to the FATHER in JESUS name. Same with if you decide to give up something else or someone; read and pray the scriptures each and every time you would be doing that thing or with that person. You will dedicated that time to reading the Word of the LORD GOD and praying in JESUS name.What will be your benefit?
- So you see, fasting is more than just going hungry as the world sees it. Fasting is a time of being renewed and refreshed; to grow and to be stretched in CHRIST JESUS.
JESUS will pour into you a newness unlike you have ever known before. You will forever be changed in HIM. You will find that you may have lost a desire you once had that you no longer desire because the LORD JESUS has given you a newness that is better than what you once had. Your faith will also have been stretched.
John 3:16, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 10:8-13, Eph. 1:13, 1 Thess. 5:9, 2 Thess. 2:13, Tit. 2:11, Rev. 7:10.
AMFBeM ©
Elder Shawn Briscoe