Hey everybody, I am pumped about what God is doing in my life and what he’s doing in our church. I believe 2012 is going to be a breakout year for us at Clearpoint Church. I am trusting that God will do an amazing work in our lives that will blow us away. I also, believe that this next 21 days of Prayer & Fasting will be the catalyst that takes us to “the Promised Land.”
During this next 3 weeks, I want to answer some questions that will help you understand fasting and why it is so important in our walk with God. It will also encourage you to continue on to the finish line....to day 21!
Question #1: What is Fasting?
Fasting is setting aside a specific amount of time to go without food in order to pray. The purpose is not to starve yourself and the goal isn’t to lose weight. It is an intentional time of pursuing God to fill a spiritual hunger rather than eating food to fill a physical hunger. It is denying your physical desire for food in order to pray and connect with God to meet a spiritual need.
It might not make a whole lot of sense, but it is a powerful thing.
Jesus never commanded it, but it was certainly expected that His followers would fast and pray.
Matthew 6:16-18 says, “when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (ESV)”
Three things to pray for:
1. Mental and physical strength to complete the fast
2. To develop an insatiable hunger for God like you have never known
3. For the Holy Spirit to show you areas of your life that you need to conquer and give over to God
Final Thought
Remember that fasting isn’t for the purpose of you getting more of God. The purpose is for God to get more of you!
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