When it comes to fasting as a believer, it’s something we are instructed in the Bible to do (Matthew 6:17–18). However, like many things God calls us to do, although to just not eat is a simple thing to do, it isn’t easy.
If you’re anything like me, I like to do my research before I invest or participate in anything, so I took the same approach with fasting!
There is wisdom in doing this though, because without a plan for anything we may attempt to take on in life, it’s likely we won’t be effective, or as effective as we could be, without prior preparation.
Even before starting this fast (or knowing about it), God led me to start reading a book that I’ve owned for over a year, but have never read. Within that book, a couple of the chapters had the main topic on fasting and praying.
There were many great insights on fasting I received from reading those specific chapters, and they encouraged and prepared me as I went into this time of fasting and praying with our church body.
Now, I will share seven of those insights in this devotional reading, and I hope they also encourage you as we finish up our time of fasting and praying for the month of February, and that by sharing these truths, they give you something to hold on to as you fast again in the future.
** NOTE : All excerpts below come from Chapters 8 and 9 of the book, “You Are Not What You Weigh” by Lisa Bevere. **
Insight #2 – “When we lay aside the daily routine of food, drink, pleasures, and leisure, we are able to reevaluate our priorities.
“Fasting creates a sensitivity to God.”
Her prayers and fasting gave her prophetic insight… Every believer should fast periodically. It is an act of separation to our Father.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 119-121, 125)
He wanted the Word of God more than necessary bread. He chose living bread over baked bread, and He became the Bread of Life. He denied Himself the immediate and waited upon the eternal.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 126-127)
Insight #6 – “Fasting increases our capacity.
‘Go, gather together all the Jews, who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ ⁃ Esther 4:16
This fast prepared Esther to overcome the fear of man—and even greater, her fear of death. This fast increased her capacity for self-sacrifice while it imported wisdom. The survival of a nation depended on her willingness to lay down her life. She knew it was more than she could face in her present condition with her present information, so she drew on God’s strength.
God told me, ‘If you want more than what you’ve seen, you’ll need to be more than you’ve been.’ Fasting positions you for just such an increase.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 128-129)
This passage describes the open reward of the Lord. It is a feast of provision; it brings an assurance of His presence. Even in the midst of opposition, the believer who fasts as an act of separation from the world and unto God receives the rewards of God.” (Bevere, 1998, p. 133-134)
Closer (feat. Brandon Lake) – Maverick City Music
Gratitude – Brandon Lake, Essential Worship
Prayer Targets:
- Ask the Lord to help you finish this time of fasting and prayer strong!
- Ask Him to continually position you for all He has for you in this new year as you take the time to consecrate yourself unto Him.
