Page 7 of 365: The Cool Thing About Fasting

As we fast, we are telling the Lord that we are giving up our physical habits
like eating just to deepen our relationship with Him.

In our church, we set a period, usually the first week of January, to commit to fast and believe for God's calling for us this year. This year, we focus on believing for something beyond the normal. That is, we believe for the extraordinary breakthroughs for 2013.

It reminded me of Ezra and the people of Israel when they set their journey from the Ahava Canal to Jerusalem. Ezra asked the people to fast as they pray that the Lord will grant them the protection. You may think, "That's a usual prayer request." But check this out: Ezra did not ask for the king's army to protect them. In fact, the only ones who were tasked to protect them were each other. Ezra believed in faith as he and his people fasted and prayed. And God protected them!

It's OK if you don't have the feeling to fast. God will answer our prayers even if we don't fast. But fasting is a gesture of giving up everything just to be with the Lord. Fasting goes beyond not eating. You can opt to do an online fast (no internet, no computer games), no gimmick fast (the only places you can go are your home and office/school), or any non-food fast you can. As long as you're bold enough to tell the Lord, "I'm surrendering to You," you can fast. Fasting will also help you understand God's Word more. Ask God too that He will let the Holy Spirit fill you as you feel the physical hunger.

Prayer and fasting are complimentary to each other. As we fast and pray, we should remember that God will speak to us in a mighty way. Prepare your hearts and be like Ezra, who strongly believed in the power of the Lord.

Read: Ezra 8:15-36, Acts 1: 1-14, 21-2:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, Romans 12:9-12, Psalm 133:1, Psalm 70:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2