Praying & Fasting
“Start a fire down in my soul that I can’t contain and I can’t control. I want more of You, God, I want more of You, God!” –Jesus Culture
Whether or not we realize it at this moment, we are desperate for God, from before we get saved, to the moment we get saved, and thereon after. Our whole life. People could go their whole lives desperate for God and never acknowledge it, never being filled. God made us to always long for Him. But do we realize it?
I recently learned that praying and fasting will open us up to great things God wants to do in our lives because we are sacrificing something we hold of high value. Giving this something or somethings up results in dependence on God when we were depending on something or someone else. By doing this, we will see what truly matters.
For me, food is one of my dependencies. Eating too much of it, thinking too much about it.I’m not satisfied until I get it. I need it. I love it. I really want more of it. But I need God more. Or really, I need God to have more of me. Do I love Him enough to make this sacrifice? I’m not going without food for 21 days but God has called me to give up some food items, and I’m committing mornings to be time with just Him and I. I’m on day three and already am deepening my relationship with God.
Are you up for the challenge?
~“No, Cassie, don’t say it!”~
What could you fast from?
I recommend it be something you would have a hard time giving up; otherwise, where’s the sacrifice in it? Giving up our wants allows us to depend on God. If God puts something on your heart to fast from, commit to doing it and pray.
Here’s a note from God on fasting… Matthew 6:16-17:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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.”
In my fast, there was a point {one point of many} where I was really struggling. I laid my head down on the table and saw my Bible. God reminded me of Philippians 4:11-13:
“…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
At that moment, I allowed Jesus to be feed me. He satisfied my earthly craving. He can do this for you too, NO MATTER what your craving is. Jesus makes us content. Do you recognize the need to have His touch? Levi did. The Bible talks about a tax collector {a group of low-standing back in those days} who was sitting at his booth, and Jesus said to him, “Follow me,” and Levi did. He left everything and followed Jesus. I don’t know Levi’s case, but I would guess that Levi may have been at the end of his rope. If you’re a Christian, remember when you asked Jesus into your heart, you gave Him your life, your all? You realized your desperation for your Creator. Many times, it’s when we realize we’re desperate that we decide to give up everything up. Really, He wants us to be DESPERATE FOR HIM daily, daily denying self [ such as, letting God do what He wants with our desires] (Luke 9:23).
Check out what happens when Levi decided to follow Jesus:
“Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.” Luke 5:29 In verses 31 and 32, Jesus says to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who belonged to their sect, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Levi followed Jesus and was satisfied. He was so content with Jesus that he threw a party for Him! Every person is desperate for God, and every person is sick. Jesus is the doctor, people. He makes house calls. You just have to… call.
"Father,
I’m giving life up to You again because You have called me to it. You want all of me, not just what I pick and choose to offer. Your Word says you have come for the sick, that’s me. Show me what I’ve been depending on outside of You and what to do about it. You know this will not be easy for me, but I know I’m desperate for you. I deny myself and what I have, to follow You. Make me desperate for You daily, and You alone. You satisfy me and are all I need in this life. May Your wants become mine too. In Jesus’ Name, I pray."
