Does an “aha” moment excite you, the times of triumphant discovery that bring forth an epiphany? You gain a fresh perspective, a new understanding of something. This past week, my ladies Bible study group had such an experience.
We generally study directly from Scripture. Occasionally, I’ll use other books or resources to assist in the focus of a topic supplementing what we find in the Bible. With our current topic, we’re using a book written by Jentezen Franklin titled Fasting. I highly recommend the book. What I share here are my own thoughts and experiences.
A Little Background
I grew up in a religious home, but one devoid of a relationship with our Creator until entering my teen years, when my parents and I began to understand the Gospel. Thus, there are some things that were not role modeled during my childhood years, fasting being one such item. This is a statement of fact. If something is not “caught” by living experience then we must be taught.
I have heard countless sermons on giving and teachings on prayer. Yet, I don’t recall ever hearing a message on fasting other than the periphery mention of it in Scripture narratives, like the stories of Moses, Daniel, Jesus, the corporate fasts of the Ninevites in Jonah, or the Jews when facing extermination in the book of Esther, etc.
Our Aha Moment
What was our “aha” moment? It was a clear presentation of scriptural truth by Jentezen Franklin in the opening chapter of his book.
“During the years that Jesus walked this earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the kingdom of God, principles that conflict with those of this world. In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus said, “When you give…” and “When you pray…” and “When you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.”
Did you catch the phrase “A normal part of Christian life?” In the book, Jentezen likens the Christian duty of fasting to one of the strands of a three-strand cord. We all know that if one cord of a three-strand cord is severed or badly frayed it is weakened. That cord is unusable for many tasks.
Power from Heaven is released when we honor God in obedience. Think of the few narratives I mentioned above. Fasting provided breakthroughs, changed hearts, saved lives, and healings through Jesus.
Deceived
I cannot help but wonder if the enemy has stagnated many Christians either by ignorance of this subject or our own blatant refusal to follow Christ’s example and teaching on it but, ignorance does not make it excusable. I and my group of ladies feel a passionate holy fire was lit inside. We’ve just begun studying and are thrilled to continue searching the Scriptures and learning more.
Fasting had not been role modeled in the homes of three-quarters of us and none of us had been under in-depth explicit teaching about fasting since becoming Christians. We are excited to complete our three-strand cord of duties and observe what God will do in our lives, the lives of those we share it with, and those we pray for.
“The discipline of fasting will humble you, remind you of your dependency on God, and bring you back to your first love. It causes the roots of your relationship with Jesus to go deeper.”
Jentezen Franklin
Can you feel the fire? Have you been ignited like a spreading wildfire? I hope so. Our world needs the power of Jehovah God now just as much as it did in the days of Moses, Daniel, the prophets, Jesus, and the early church. I implore you, don’t ignore your duty and sacred access to God.
Jesus said to the tempter during his fast, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, CSB). Then later in the Sermon on the Mount says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6, CSB).
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for guiding me and exposing me to Your expectations about fasting. Show Your favor to those who obediently follow Jesus’ life and teaching in all things. Pour out great power from Heaven as we devote more time with You and feast on the Word. Give us spiritual breakthroughs, miracles, and wonders that the name of God be glorified. Holy Spirit, as we step out in obedience to this discipline, help us conquer the cries of our bellies. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.
Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.
Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.
Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.
Heart fire image by Gloria Williams from Pixabay
Photo of Fasting book on Bible by Manette Kay.
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I read your post with great interest Manette, our God’s timing is always perfect because fasting has been on my mind lately. I basically know nothing about it, but your description of its importance makes perfect sense to me. Thank you for sharing this, God bless you sister.
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Thank you, Alan, for sharing. It is both an encouragement and affirmation. Fasting has been on my mind for about six months. Once I broached the topic, I knew I had to write about it here too. We ladies could not be that much of an anomaly from other people.
I hope it will inspire readers to delve into the word seeking the LORD with a fresh and fervent passion ignited by a holy fire. May the flames of His presence set you ablaze today.
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I’m with Alan on this Manette. Fasting has never really been a part of my disciplines spiritually. The timing in filling in the prayer booklet from you may be “God Orchestrated” as I fill in names that have disappeared from our lives over time, some have drifted away from the Lord, so I am praying for wisdom on my part as I seek them out one by one. I intend to ask them if they want their names in my prayer booklet if I (as I) make that commitment. It would be no small matter and the approach must be an honest Spirit led thing as I bring nothin to the table (pardon intended pun).
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Gary, thank you for sharing. I wrestled much in preparing to do this topic and will be sharing more in future posts, as the Lord directs.
Regarding your prayer cards, I think it’s a wonderful idea to “ask” the people as it can open doors of opportunities for spiritual conversations. Yet, I have people I regularly pray for that I’ve never asked, some are believers and some not. Recently, I did something similar with a few that are believers. I made contact and said, “I’m updating my prayer cards, how can I specifically pray for you?” The result, they felt loved and appreciated to learn I was praying and I gained a better insight into their current needs or situations. May you be set ablaze by His presence today.
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Like you fasting was not something that was modeled as I grew up. And yes, we do not hear much about it in sermons etc.
Fasting has been on my mind lately and I have been feeling that God is nudging me to practice it. Reading this has further confirmed it for me.
I am excited to read anything more you share about your study.
Thank you Manette.
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Manu, thank you for reading and sharing your comments. Those who have taken the time to share their thoughts are an affirmation that others, like me, need this teaching exposure. Then we can take our next step in full obedience to our Savior. May our Lord set you ablaze by His presence today.
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Thank you so much for this, Manette. I have been thinking about fasting (and revival) quite a bit. Thank you for faithfully serving us the Word!
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Heidi, I’m grateful to each who have shared that they’ve been sensing the nudge towards fasting. It’s been nothing less than amazing as we’ve been delving into this study. I’m not going to say “easy” as gaining victory over the flesh is a battle. Battles can be hard and brutal before the tempter leaves. But victory in the Lord is so sweet when we’ve allowed Him to fight for us and through us.
The comments shared are an encouragement and victory cry over the first skirmish. May you be set ablaze by His presence today.
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Certainly, the urgency in fasting is vital. In the current state of our nation, fasting should come with a broken heart for a revival in America. Good words, Manette. God’s grip – Alan
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Alan, you’re correct about a broken heart accompanying a fast. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. May our Lord set you ablaze by His presence today.
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