I will be posting encouragement and varying articles, etc, about fasting, as our church is entering into a Daniel Fast starting on January 11th. Today, I want to post some encouragement from the awesome book The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting by Mahesh Chavda.
Fasting is an empowerment meant to further the effects of "resting" in the Lord. It should not become an onerous yoke of labor. As you embark on this journey, let me encourage you to find your "rhythm of grace" balanced with the humbling of your soul, wisdom, and obedience.
Jesus expects you to fast and to pray. In Matthew 6:5-7, He didn't say, "When you feel like praying..." No, He said three times, "When you pray..." Not if.
In the same way, Jesus didn't say, "If you should someday decide to try a fast, although I know it's almost impossible for you..." in Matthew 6:16-17. No, He said, "When you fast..." He didn't give us the option not to fast. He considered it to be such a natural part of the Christian life that He told the disciples and their critics that prayer and fasting would be part of their lives after He left them. Nothing has changed since He said those words.
Check back daily for an encouraging word! Be blessed today!
1 comment:
Absolutely! Also, in Matt 9:15, he states that we WILL fast when Jesus, the bridegroom, is gone.
On a side note, my favorite food during the bridegroom fast is the salad mix that has carrots in it with sunflower seeds and Newman's Own (all natural) olive oil & vinegar dressing.
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