(The blog was written as part of Hillsong Copenhagen’s collective fast, February 2017)
I have tried fasting for both the right and wrong reasons.
I’ve tried fasting where I must admit the desire was to lose weight rather than to gain a deeper desire for Jesus and a hunger and thirst for righteousness. If God isn’t the center, fasting will be reduced to merely a time of denial. That’s sad when the bible contains beautiful promises about the rewards of fasting when done with the right motive. (See Isaiah 58)
The disciples did not seem to get fasting at first shot either. They saw how the Pharisees fasted but that they were not asked to do so as Jesus’ disciples. Jesus answered their wondering:
“But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15 NIV
Jesus understands there is a time for everything. A time for celebration and a time for a re-set as a fast is. The disciples were not to re-set and return to Jesus at that point because they were already with Him.
Hi! Did you know I have a mailing list?
To receive encouragement in your inbox, sign up here. ❤
For us now, the situation is different. Our bridegroom, Jesus, is not physically with us on earth anymore. Therefore, we know fasting is appropriate in the lifestyle of every believer to declare our homesickness for heaven over everything we are given on earth!
We should be fasting what we draw our strength from and give our strength to.
All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything” 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
When you fast…you become hungry. At first it may be for food or whatever you are fasting (sugar, social media or tv for example) that might normally master you, but as the initial hunger pangs or longings cease, a new desire or hunger is formed. A hunger for His purposes.
A fast lets fortresses fall, fixes our focus and it fuels us for our future!
Jesus longs to meet with you as you fast, whether you are new or experienced in this discipline. Come with great expectancy to be renewed with His fresh perspective as the numbness and dullness disappear and you become sensitive to His word and voice.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for this set aside time with you. Transform me as I seek you. I believe you will strengthen me and speak to me as I do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
I declare, I long for you, Jesus, more than _________ (fill in what you are fasting)
Thank you for doing your work in and through me. Become irresistible to me!
In Jesus name. Amen.
Get more posts like this straight to your inbox.
Join my mailing list here.