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Fasting and Prayer

Day 193

Reading: Isaiah 58:1 - Isaiah 60:22

Many people fast these days. Fasting is actually a dieting fad called intermittent fasting. Fasting without prayer may lead to weight loss however, it will not move God. Prayer accompanied with fasting brings results. If you have never fasted but you pray I urge you to add fasting and devote that day to seeking the face of God. 

There is a fast that God has chosen. It is the fast that brings God to the scene. The actions accompanying this fast are not a religious prayer. The fast God delights in is one where we share our bread with those who don't. Don't just skip a meal and save the money, feed the hungry with it. The fast chosen by God also sees one bring the poor indoors to be cared for; it also sees the person clothe the naked one. Naked is not just in terms of wearables but also naked in different facets of life. Cover the person whom you see naked and as you do remember Noah whose son saw him naked and talked about it whilst the other two chose to cover the father whilst walking backwards Genesis 9:22-23. May I ask you to please reconsider how you fast if you have never thought about what pleases God in a fast.

The blessings of the fast chosen by God are as follows:
  • Light shall break forth. Ever seen how light fills a room when you turn on the lights. Darkness just leaves. Darkness doesn't go to a corner and wait. Light takes over the entire space. When you fast and pray in line with God's word light fills your space.
  • Healing is released. Fasting in line with God's standards will release inner healing. The fast God has chosen causes the oppressed to go free. 
  • God's righteousness comes to the front and goes ahead of you as a shield covering you from the shame of unrighteousness. 
  • The glory of God covers your rear. We never look behind except when we are reversing a car or being chased by an enemy. When the glory of God is your rear guard then your enemy has no hope!
  • God answers your prayer. When you fast and pray in accordance with God's word you discover keys to answered prayer. 
  • The Lord guides you in your every endeavour. Remember Nehemiah spent time fasting and praying before embarking on his journey to Jerusalem. The Bible records that God protected him. 
  • God will strengthen and satisfy you. When you fast and pray make God the focal point and you will discover a well that satisfies and nourishes the soul deeply.
Spend some time in fasting and pray and see how it affects your life. Invite God to be your all and He will be in your all.

Memory Verse: Isaiah 59:1

Decree:


Isaiah 60:1-2

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.(italics mine)


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