Why Are We Fasting Again?

To go higher, you need to dig deeper.

I had no idea what I was missing. I just knew I received a heavy conviction to pray. In a reading club, I began reading a book on fasting. As I read, it became more and more clear what I needed to do.

This book was different than what I expected. It showed me the real heart behind fasting. Not to gain anything personally, or seeking the questions we desire from God. It’s not about always petitioning God for an answer. But the real heart of fasting is about dying to your flesh in order to hear what God has to say more clearly. It’s about personal intimacy, not personal agenda. 

I’ll be honest that I’ve fasted before with my own agenda and questions I needed for clarity. But this time, I had no expectations. I just needed Him. And I had a desire to follow His leading wherever it led me. 

I discovered I had become complacent. I was going through many motions in my walk with God. When I began to fast I could hear clearly. I saw myself exposed. It ignited a new fire in me for my relationship that I had not felt in a while. 

I felt weak. I needed help, I was fatigued. I constantly prayed, because sis was not at her best. When I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it, he strengthened me. That God-dependence kicked in like it hadn’t in a while.

It’s now a new year and many believers will be fasting. You may even be deciding yourself to do one if you haven’t already committed. Trust me, it’s a beautiful experience. I would like to encourage you to do something new. Don’t ask God for anything. Not direction, clarity, purpose in 2021. Nothing. Just show God gratitude. Spend time simply thanking Him and nothing else. I promise He will show you so much that you desire to see and more when you surrender in this way. 

If you have not come close to the idea, I’m challenging you to think again. Pray about it. If you need something new, if you have questions, if you find yourself unsure lately, perhaps you should fast. Now, there’s different ways and types. Choose what’s best for you. If you’ve never done it, start slow and build up. DO NOT forget to feed yourself with the word and pray to replace the physical food.  

Whether we are preachers or collecting trash on the streets we really need to ask ourselves, when was the last time I really depended on God? Our ways can become too complicated, His way always flows.

In 2021 let’s not just hit our goals. Let’s develop the character of God in our lives to sustain it. The time to surrender for real, is now.