Yesterday Jonathan wrapped up our series on Fasting. Last night we had a communal fast-breaking dinner with great fellowship. As we reflect on the purpose of the fast, we may have realized a few things. Some of us experienced a clearer spiritual atmosphere. Some of us have started hearing the voice of the Lord more clearly. Still others have received clear direction for themselves and for the ministry. With all these experiences fresh in our minds and spirits, let’s look at what the fast is propelling us into.
The Power To Move Forward
Moses and Jesus both fasted for 40 days. When we read scripture, not much happened during the fast in the visible realm. They were cultivating a deeper relationship with the Father, though not much was happening in the physical realm as a result. In fact, during Moses’ fast, the Israelites managed to cast a golden calf, set up a ritual of worship, and make songs to it. However, during the post-fast, things happened.
Moses received the 10 commandments written by the finger of God. He glowed so much that he had to veil his face so people could look at him. He gave the law of God to the people of God. The effects of Moses’ fast was no small feat.
Similarly, when Jesus fasted, nothing phenomenal happened in the natural world. However, we are given insight into the fasting. During his weakened state, he was tempted by the devil and withstood him in three categories: 1. Food 2. Safety 3. Power. But it was after the temptations that we really see Jesus walk in power to move forward with his mission.
For us, not much may happen during the fast except the energy we expend to avoid what we’re fasting. Like Moses and Jesus, we may become empowered to move forward with our mission after the fast. We may start walking in a revitalized strength and greater motivation. Fasting is like exercising spiritual muscles. After the recovery, we find ourselves stronger and better equipped to do what we are called to.
A Greater Sense of God’s Presence
In addition to having greater power (stronger spiritual muscles) after fasting, we most likely will be imbued with a greater sense of God’s presence in our lives. Making time for God by giving up something desirable or comfortable shows him we are serious about being close to him. This moves his heart, and causes him to let his presence be known to us in a greater degree. As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When we initiate an effort to draw closer to God through fasting, He will draw close to us with His presence.
This greater sense of God’s presence is powerful, as it emboldens us. Being close to God’s presence means we are also close to His power. Such a closeness of God for the sake of God produces the natural side effect of noticing and seeing His power displayed on a more first-hand basis. Just as Jesus was “Led by the Spirit” in the wilderness, we may be led by the Holy Spirit to expand the kingdom in ways that implement God’s power and presence in other people’s lives. It is a beautiful thing to find ourselves in the presence of our Lord.
A Newly Developed Sense of Self-Control
Self-Control is part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. In addition to many of the other elements (peace, love, joy, kindness, gentleness), self-control is both character trait and force for advancement. Why do I say that? Because by denying ourselves (often in the form of immediate gratification), we can focus our energies on advancing, developing, and producing the kingdom of heaven in our spheres of influence. It takes self-control to do the right thing when we don’t feel like doing the right thing. It takes self-control to consistently work on the steps and goals of our mission from God. It takes self-control to live a tempered life and not fall into excesses that destroy life and home or waste time. It takes self-control to pray and read scripture regularly when it doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day.
Yet, fasting has a way of developing and enhancing our sense of self-control. As we are empowered to move our mission forward and have a greater sense of God’s presence, one of the best benefits of fasting is the realization that we can exhibit self-control when we willingly put our effort into it. Consistently fasting for 3 weeks is an exercise in self-control that can be applied to other areas of our lives. Putting our self-control to work toward our mission really does go a long way in propelling it forward.
Not to be forgetful of what God does in this process, self-control enhances our efforts to move the mission forward. But God still does far more than we do. Moses fasted for 40 days, God wrote his law on stone. Moses raised a stick in the air, God parted the red (reed) sea. Jesus resisted the devil’s temptation for worldly power. The Father raised Jesus’ name above every other name and set him at his right hand. Self-control enhances our work for the kingdom. Yet God still does what only He can do to make the mission succeed.
I pray that you have had some powerful times with the Lord during our fast together. Yet, I pray you will have more powerful experiences as we labor with Jesus in the work of the kingdom, post-fast.
Be sure and let us know what insights you may have received from the Lord as you have been hearing his voice more. And let us continue to strive to fulfill the TGP mission of: