DAY ONE FASTING: A WAY OF LIFE
“BUT WHEN YOU FAST, PUT OIL ON YOUR HEAD AND WASH YOUR FACE, SO THAT IT WILL NOT BE OBVIOUS TO OTHERS 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.” MATTHEW 6:17-18, NIV Throughout His time on earth, Jesus taught His disciples principles of the Kingdom of God. But His teachings weren’t just for the twelve disciples at that time in history, or only for the multitudes of people who gathered to hear Him speak. The truth Jesus shared was also meant to guide, bless, and help you and me today. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus provides us with some specific direction to live as children of God and experience His victory in our lives. Jesus said, “When you give...” “When you pray...” “When you fast...” Throughout the chapter, He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, should be a normal part of Christian life. And yet, have you noticed how the exact opposite seems to be the case for many followers of Jesus today? We see fasting as an ancient ritual, unbecoming of a modern-day Christian. Yet fasting was a regular part of Jesus’ life. He didn’t expect His disciples to do something He didn’t. Jesus fasted, and we are called to follow in His example, not to do it as a lifeless practice but in obedience to His Word, following His example, and to experience His power in our lives. We are so excited and expectant for what He is going to do in your life over the next 21 days. Undoubtedly, if you seek, you will find. If you knock, He will open. If you ask, you will receive. Your fasting is your knocking and your seeking, and we prophetically declare it will be a time when you receive what you’re believing God to provide.
