"When you fast , do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast , put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV)
I usually don't share too much the details of how often I fast, because of this text, spoken by Jesus. Fasting should be personal, between you and your Father in Heaven. It should not be broadcasted because it should not be obvious to men/women that you are fasting as Jesus stated. Saying that (hoping I'm not contradicting myself, but I must share) I have just completed a season of fasting - a period of where I abstained from food, and completely sought the LORD. It was a wonderful experience, one that I have not felt in a long time. It makes me realize how much I need to fast. As I sit here today, I miss that time of seeking the LORD. And that is not to say that I did not pray or read my bible today, but to be in a period of fasting is different. I can't explain how it's different, but it is just different. I am desiring more of God's presence in my life, and that only comes through fasting. I have come to understand that in order to be able to walk in God's authority, fasting must become a regular discipline in the life of the believer. It must be a discipline to abstain from food, and seek the LORD for a period of time. Once you do this, you will realize that you can't do without it. This life will have you frustrated and thinking about 10 things at once. We need time to just think about the LORD. When we do this, we will see how much the LORD will reveal to us and how much we won't trip on stuff that doesn’t really matter. Most of all, I've found that while fasting, the LORD will begin to prepare you for whatever is ahead of you. Without fasting, we enter into what the LORD has for us unprepared.
Jesus began this verse by saying "when you fast"…….we cannot apply His teachings unless we do fast.
Father in Heaven, as the deer pants for streams of water, our soul pants for you! We thank you for another day and for the blessings you give us with each day. Give us the desire to fast more LORD! Give us the desire for intimate fellowship with you! Prepare us for your work, building up the kingdom of God on earth! We will give you all praise and all glory for what you do through us! In Jesus name, Amen.
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