Declare a Fast

"I proclaimed a fast there beside the Ahava Canal, a fast to humble ourselves before our God and pray for wise guidance for our journey- all our people and possessions." Ezra 8:21

Ezra declared a fast prior to any further movement in the journey. He needed to seek God's direction and he needed insight to lead well. He fasted to seek God's will above his own.

Next Wednesday, February 18 begins is Ash Wednesday. This is the beginning of the Lenten season, a season of preparing ourselves for Easter and the experiencing of Christ's death and resurrection. Will you declare a fast? And if so, what is your fast about? What are you seeking to learn from God?

Often people fast things like chocolate, pop, or a meal. They may even fast playing video games or attending certain events. Whatever you fast should be a sacrifice, it should cause you discomfort to go without it. It should be something you frequently desire or participate in. Why? Because the purpose of a fast is to give up one thing to replace it with time with God.

A meal that is fasted should be replaced with time of prayer and study. It is not to become an avenue to shed a few extra pounds! An activity that is fasted should be replaced with time spent praying and seeking God's will. Fasting chocolate doesn't mean eating another sweet snack in its place. Rather each time the desire for chocolate arises you pause and seek God's face through prayer or scripture reading.

If you choose to begin a fast next week, pray it through starting now. Ask God what to fast and what it is that he wants you to focus on. Perhaps you need insight into healing a marriage or maybe you need direction with a ministry. Will your fast send you deep into the Word to find healing to forgive and be forgiven?

Lord,
Let us each determine a reasonable fast. Give us insight into what it is that we are to fast. Then help us to use that time to draw nearer to you. Teach us to humble ourselves before you. In your name we pray, Amen.