Into the Wilderness Day #32 “Fasting- to abstain from all food or certain kinds of food” Matthew 4:2-4 “After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. Then the tempter approached Him and said, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell theses stones to become bread.’ But He answered, ‘It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Jesus was led in to the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by Satan. (Matthew 4:1) While he was there he fasted for 40 days and night. Why did he fast? Wouldn’t he want to stay strong? Fasting is an act of faith, it is not about the length of time you fast what foods you fast from, it is about listening to the will of God. When Satan tempted Him, he told Him to turn the bread into stones. Jesus did not listen because he knew God would give Him what He needed, He also knew that it was in the Fathers will that he would fast at that time. His weakness or hunger was his strength because it allowed God to be in control. It allowed His perfection to thrive within Him through the Spirit. In order to have a strong spirit we must work it and feed it. We do that in trails and in faith. When we are tempted and get through it we grow. Our obedience builds our faith and spirit. Fasting is an act of faith in order to reach our true potential in God we MUST fast. It is written “…For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. [However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting.]” (Matthew 17:20-21 HCSB) He was talking to the disciples. The disciples were asking Jesus why they could not drive out the demon. He was explaining to them they had little faith. In order to have the power to drive out demons, move mountains from here to there, to make all things possible they had to pray and fast. Fasting is not always easy you have to give up something your body craves, but it is an act of obedience and God loves obedience (Ecclesiastes 5:1) There is a proper way to fast and it should not be done just because, for if it is, the Lord will not recognize your fast (Isaiah 58:3). Fasting is not about yourself it is about the Lord and building a relationship with him being Christ like. If you are grumpy and whining and complaining during your fast you are not ready. Fasting is a time of freedom, it is a time to be free from all the grips of this world and rely on God (Isaiah 58:6) It is a time to focus on others it’s not about ignoring our wants (Isaiah 58:7) If it is on your spirit to fast I recommend that you do, it will bring you closer to God. Like it is said in the beginning of this message, you can fast from all food or a certain type. If you love meat or dessert sustain from that for a certain length of time say a day or maybe a week. This fast should be between you and God he will lay on your spirit what to fast from and how long. While you are fasting though don’t make it known to everyone or you will have your reward and God will not be able to reward you (Matthew 6:16-18). Take this time to be obedient and draw closer to God.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 20:46:55 +0000
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