Wednesday, January 29, 2014

40 Day Challenge Week Two

How is your fasting going? Last week we issues a challenge, a call to the congregation, to begin a time of fasting and prayer. We reviewed the basics of fasting. We suggested that it is more than just an important thing to do and that, in fact, it is something we all ought to do as believers in Christ and as worshipers of the one true God. Let us dig into that a bit more!

Scripture reveals that there are a number of reasons for fasting. But aside from what can be accomplished through this discipline, the simple case for fasting is that it was modeled for us. Jesus fasted! At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus was baptized. "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." (Luke 4:1-2) Luke later tells us in verse 14, "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit..." We could spend time exploring way he fasted and what his goals were, but the simple fact is that at a critical time in his life Jesus fasted, and he was empowered by God as a result.

The disciples of Jesus also fasted! Acts 13:1-3 reveals to us that the Holy Spirit revealed himself to the believers at the church in Antioch. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" This passage does not lay out a doctrine on fasting along with all the necessary rules to follow. It simply notes that this is what the believers were doing... because that is what believers did! We should do as well.

Earlier we used the term "discipline." This term is used to describe an ordinary pattern of behavior. Fasting is a discipline. If it is to be a "pattern of behavior" then it needs to happen regularly. As we make our attempt at fasting, celebrate each successful fast, no matter how small, as your best effort to honor the Lord. As with every discipline, practice is required to strengthen your ability and your resolve. Remember to pray for those on our prayer list and in your own circle of influence who do not know the Lord. Pray, pray, pray!

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