Because breakthrough is possible, this. . .

podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/26483601/because-breakthrough-is-possible-this-lent

Not so fast. Before we follow Paul's next steps toward Jerusalem, we do well to consider where we are . . . on the calendar. A few days ago, February 18, Christians around the world entered into the season of Lent, a time to humbly prepare our hearts for Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem, and all that happened there--his betrayal, arrest, crucifixion and Resurrection.

One of the spiritual disciplines often practiced during Lent is that of fasting. Remember with me this scene from Jesus' life, captured in Mark's gospel.

Jesus has just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration when a father brings his young demon-tormented son to him.  While the disciples had tried to help the boy, they had been unsuccessful.  The distraught father pleaded with Jesus, asking why his men had been unable to cast out the demon and set his son free, Jesus responds “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”¹

Fasting is praying intentionally, foregoing food or something else we regularly partake of, for a season--maybe to grow closer to the Lord, for instance--or for another specific reason.  The discipline of fasting is mentioned more than 70 times in the Scripture and Jesus felt so strongly about it that he fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness as he started his ministry.  

There is really great teaching on fasting in the last chapter of my favorite book on prayer, Pray First: the transformative² power of a life built on prayer³.  

When it comes to this spiritual practice, I've been most inspired by a young mother I know who has prioritized weekly fasting. Why did she fast?  Started with a situation in her family’s life—for their endangered foster baby, whose very life hung in the balance, the court process out of her control… but God. 

Did Christianne's fasting make a difference?  Certainly. She prayed intentionally along with fasting and saw God do what neither she nor her husband could.  God moved mountains in the California family courts, protecting the baby boy, who is now their adopted son.  I remember her bringing him to Bible study with her—we all took turns holding him and loving on him; thankfully, she was a good sharer.  Her strong, unwavering faith taught the 75 or so of us women who gathered weekly so very much.   ~>Faith + earnest desire, prayer for God to act + fasting -> watch God move. 

Is there reason for you to fast? Here are a few questions to consider, as I have:

1)    Are you in need of healing or a miracle?

2)    Do you have a friend or loved one—child or spouse, who is far from God?

3)    Do you need a fresh encounter with God yourself?

4)    Do you need to break addictions or harmful behaviors in your life?

5)    Do you want to know God’s will for your life, maybe revelation of your purpose?

6) Or perhaps you have a deep need that only God can answer. . .

Fasting has the power to connect us to God and restore our intimacy and reliance on him and him alone. Fasting disconnects us from the world and its temptations, distractions, and appeals to our fleshly appetites.⁴   Nineteenth century South African pastor, teacher and writer Andrew Murray said,

“Prayer is reaching out after the unseen;

fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal.”  

If that makes your heart beat faster, consider Murray’s next statement

“Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution

that we are ready to sacrifice anything,

even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.” Wow.

'Want to dig deeper into the types of fasts: food, social media, technology …?  

Check out this incredible resource:  https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/fasting

Here is a 30-minute talk on prayer/fasting:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvpFpqcSSt4

Okay, so what is it in your life that can only be accomplished through prayer and fasting?   Let’s do it together… setting time apart to pray because it is not enough to simply 'give up something for Lent.' We gotta get alone with God and pray intentionally and fast for the breakthrough we need! 

Breakthrough, the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es0FeZZ0zDM

Join me?

Christine

1 – Mark 9.29, New King James Version.  Interesting to note that some Bible translations render Jesus’ answer “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” 

2 – Huh, that word again – transformative.  Transfiguration itself refers to a change in form or appearance, and the root, transfigure, simply means "to transform into something more beautiful or elevated,"

3 - Pray First: the transformative power of a life built on prayer, Chris Hodges

4 – ibid., p. 187