Food For The Soul
Welcome! I pray that the holy spirit gives me the right words to say so that you’re blessed by this. In Jesus Name. Amen
So, this week I wanted to talk about something I struggle with. I will always be transparent about what issues I have faced because that’s just a part of following Christ. I also think when you're facing certain struggles you just end up feeling convicted. It’s like a gray cloud over your head. Well one of my “gray clouds” is fasting. I literally struggle with this so much. I would start a fast and end up breaking it because it wasn't the right time. Once, I started a fast and I didn't rely on the word so I just didn't feel like I was doing what God wanted me to do so I stopped. I would always repent because I would end up feeling so convicted. What I didn't realize was that the enemy was trying to stop me any way that he could. The closer you get towards God’s will the harder the enemy will attack you. Eventually, I went to the bookstore and bought this book about fasting. It’s a really great book actually (I’ll leave a reference for it at the end) it covers so much. It talks about all the strongholds you can break. It gives you prayers and scriptures to pray while fasting. The most motivating part for me is when it talks when Jesus was fasting in the wilderness. He fasted for 40 days. That is something I can only imagine but while he was in the wilderness the devil tried to tempt him. The devil tried 3 times and was unsuccessful. My favorite Scripture from that story is Luke 3:3-4 NIV the devil said to him, “if you are the son of god, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “it is written: ‘man shall not live on bread alone’. This should tell you that fasting is necessary. This will strengthen your relationship with God while bringing so much clarity. I did some research and it’s so many different ways to fast. You don’t have to fast from food. It could be from something like your phone. I would target anything you do that takes a lot of time from God. (Things like work and your children don’t count) Another verse that will help you along the way; Matthew 6:16-18 NIV “when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your father, who is unseen; and your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” It’s important that when you fast, you have the right intentions in your heart. Don’t just fast to “get good “with God or to just get what you want. Fasting is a powerful tool if you use it right. Here are a few tips to use while fasting
- Prepare to fast . Make sure its at the right time and that you can actually focus on God and his word
-Don't try to fast for a long time. Start fasting in small increments. Maybe once a week then move up to more days. Once your get further in your journey then you will be lead by the Holy Spirit to fast
- Read the word and pray without ceasing. You're going to feel tempted during your fast. Heavily rely on God and his words to get you through. Even play worship music if you're not able to read at that moment.
-Remember there is no right or wrong way to fast. There is no specific way you have to fast. Let god tell you what you need to do and the rest will follow. Listen for God’s voice , pray for increase of discernment and let him lead you.
Book Reference : Eckhardt, John. Fasting for Breakthrough & Deliverance .
