Today's Devotional

October 26, 2004

Subject:  Worth A Fast

Acts 13:2 - "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."

Early in my oldest daughter's life, we introduced the concept of fasting.  She had an unbelievable desire for sweets and candy and at times we would usher her into a fast for a week or more on candy.  When I remarked recently that the pastor of our church called us into a fast until November 14th, some people said, "you can't fast for that long."  Well the concept we have of a fast is primarily of not eating at all until you break the fast.  However, this is a very narrowly focused concept of fasting.

Being in a Muslim country for the first part of the year clearly identified that there are many different types of fasting.  During the month of Ramadan, which is taking place now for the Muslims of the world, they fast for the entire month.  Under their fast, they can only eat from dusk until dawn.  In other words, no eating during daylight hours.  This is their concept and there are many others, but the real question behind a fast is, "what is it for?"  It's not to lose weight.  It's not even to break a desire that you have for a certain food, although that could happen, but the real issue behind fasting is to hear God more clearly, to become more sensitive to His moving.

Frequently in scripture, we see the disciples of God, or the king of Israel proclaim a fast.  In most of those cases, the fast is followed by God speaking to His people.  

Today, if you are unsure about something and want to be sure, try sacrificing something that is routine in your life for a period of time.  It could be TV, the internet, some food, a meal or a game that you normally play.  Spend that time thinking on God.  If there's anything worth doing, it's worth a fast.  See how clearly God then speaks.  

 Carlen