Abba has placed fasting and humility in front of me in unmistakable ways recently. As I was reading Acts the other day, fasting was highlighted to me by the Holy Spirt. No big deal, I took note and moved along.
I have fasted fairly often and fairly regularly during seasons of my life. I’ve also had several doctors tell me not to fast. But one wisely said, “Do whatever the Lord’s telling you, because despite some interpretations of science, it is helping you.” (This is not medical advice for all; this is my personal experience.)
As I moved along my day, I turned on YouTube for something specific, and Up Pops a Derrick Prince teaching. I like him, but I haven’t seen anything of his in months. I thought it highly unlikely that any algorithm would offer this. It just might be the Holy Spirit. This time, I took note, and began listening.
His topic was one particular “secret to answered prayer.” You guessed it, fasting, suggesting the majority of Christians are unaware that it exists.”
Prince points out Matt 6:5 “When [not if] you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites.” Verse 6 continues, “When [not if] you pray. . .” and he adds instructions.
Prayer is not optional in a vibrant walk with our God.
Then Prince moves to verse 16, “When [not if] you Fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with a sad face. ” Verse 17: “But you, when [not if] you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.”
Just like prayer, Jesus does not intend for fasting to be optional.
Why? There are several purposes, but Prince points out fasting: “It is a God appointed way to humble ourselves.” It is one of the best remedies to pride, which is the first of the seven deadly sins.
As I contemplate my history with fasting, it extends well beyond crisis moments, but always includes them. It is more than answered prayer. It is relational.
We must make the choice to humble ourselves so we can enter into, and stay, in proper alignment with God. When we fast, we are accepting God’s invitation to go low, and humble ourselves.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10
When we desire a closer relationship with our Lord, fasting and humility are important keys.
I am refreshing my commitment to fasting because Abba went out of the way to highlight it to me. What is the LORD highlighting to you?
Seeking His face… praying more in worship of God and seeking His face! 💕Joyce
Yes Joyce! Keep it up! May Abba bless you abundantly!
Andrea