To fast is to humble. Not to fast is to humble not. Fasting is a demonstration that I really believe Jesus' Word, "Without Me you can do nothing." Some time ago our pastor called for us to fast on Wednesdays of each week. I remember the first time I fasted. It was on a Monday 40 years ago. I drank only water from 18:00 Sunday evening to 18:00 Monday evening. A good friend and brother in our seminary and I agreed this is something we needed to do. Monday evening, at 17:55 we were parked outside of the local Arby's. Well, at least we got started.
Fasting should be always coupled with Scripture reading, prayer, worship. Otherwise it is just a "holy diet." There is great power in humbling oneself "with fasting." Fasting is an admission that really
only Jesus Christ can sustain me in life, and in the Bible fasting is concurrent with deep crises. "I humbled myself with fasting....I wept in my soul with fasting...." The Jews were facing genocide in the time of Mordecai and Esther. Esther sent out a desperate plea, "Fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day...; and if I perish, I perish!" Here's one in Isaiah 58:8 which has been affirmed by medical science-- "Then...your healing will quickly appear...."
I have an idea. Stop looking for more books, tapes, reasons, and "leadings" on fasting and--------------------------- "
Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to obey before I understand. Amen.
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