Fasting is Really Slow Going!

Well, my 40 day fast turned into a 10-day fast. It was an experience and the Lord revealed a number of things to me. Fasting, praying, studying the Word, and being obedient are the things that make up our spiritual walk and the man who endeavors to seek after the Lord in such a way deserves a blessing. Well, I believe that I got just that! My walk was strengthened and my attitude changed. I have a true spirit of appreciation for what the Lord gives us in the way of food, life, shelter, family and loved ones, etc. It’s difficult for me now to take any of those things for granted any longer.

I also learned a lesson in obeying God’s word. I had seen Him work miracles in the life of the believer while on my fast and many times after it ended. Through it all, I am reminded of the scripture in 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 “Does the LORD really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn't want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him. Rebelling against God or disobeying him because you are proud is just as bad as worshiping idols or asking them for advice”. This was significant to me because Satan created circumstances which brought me face-to-face with His word and I was tested. The outcome of that testing… will remain between the Lord and me – but I wll say that I am a better man because of it.

So, I lasted all of 10 days on a vegetable and water/100% fruit juice fast. It was invigorating and challenging. I went from 177lbs down to 165lbs during that time. I ended after 10 days because I was not able to perform my job adequately while maintaining that fast. The Lord and I have a deal though… I will complete 40 days of fasting through the remainder of the year so I still have 30 days to go.

Anyway, that’s that… I recommend that all Christians seeking a spiritual breakthrough go through at least 5 days of fasting in a month and endeavor to do a full 40 days per year. 40 is a break through number in the Bible. Moses, Ezekiel, and Jesus all endured 40 day fasts and received a revelation afterwards. There is an example there for all of us. The Lord hears the prayers of the obedient and blesses those whom He will bless.