FASTING!

Usually the beginning of the year is when a majority of churches, if not all, indulge in some form of a fast. Why?

According to Galatians 5, there are 2 influences at work in us: the Spirit who is leading us and working in us to be in conformity to the purpose and destiny of God for us; and our carnal nature (flesh), which is our inherent fallen human nature. This nature always wants what is contrary to the heart of the Spirit of God for us. Two influences warring to influence us. The one we submit to and give attention to ends up being the one that influences us more. However, the Spirit of God sometimes pulls executive precedence, and has his way regardless of proceedings. This isnt always the case, so we do better by walking with the Spirit with our daily choices.

Fasting is a spiritual exercise we indulge in by abstaining from a regular indulgence as a sacrifice to invite the influence of the Spirit in our lives. It is an act of faith - it isnt simply abstaining from food, or social media, or whatever we choose to fast from; it is abstainance plus spiritual investment which includes reading the word, prayer, a prioritizing of our covenant relationship with God, etc. This act of fasting is one spiritual investment that can help reset us back into submission and alignment with the plan of God at work in us, consciously, unconsciously and subconsciously. 

Fasting at the beginning of the year is something we should automatically commit to. As people who are being rehabilitated by the Spirit of God at work in us, we have so many areas of issues and flaws in our lives in dire need of divine intervention and salvaging. We are constantly being distracted, lured and seduced away. We have areas in our lives in need of transformation, and our minds in need of a renewing. Doubt and unbelief festering in us regarding the promises of God to us. Fasting is our proactive spiritual exercise of aligning with the Spirit, and making a commitment to mortifying the influences of our carnal nature.

The one error some of us run into is thinking Fasting is assisting God. So somehow our faith becomes hinged on the excellency of our Fasting. If you did a "good fast", you have helped God; and if your fast wasnt that good, then you didnt help God and his plan for you may not come to pass. Complete foolishness! Fasting doesnt help God in any way; Fasting is for you to get yourself in submission and alignment. It is for you! Fasting helps you, not God. Fasting doesnt force the hand of God to us. In the Old Testament, maybe, but in the new covenant relationship by the blood of Jesus, there is no new act or performance that can be done to add unto what Jesus has done. He paid the price and completed what needed to be done. Our fasting experience is for us.

My encouragement therefore is for YOU to take time to fast this January. Dont do it because your church is doing it, and you have no other choice. Do it because you know you have flaws and issues, and this is a spiritual resource to align yourself into the heavenly plan of God for you - especially in those areas of your life where it seems you have no control, or ability to manage things to a specific outcome or expectation. What do you have to lose? Nothing! But the gain can be the attainment of your vision, goals, dreams, purpose and destiny!

Let's fast!