Podcast: 40 Days of Fasting

God bless you on your decision to participate in this national 40 day fast! God’s
promises are clear:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek
my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

The benefits of fasting are many and varied. Isaiah 58 alone, outlines at least six
benefits: victory over spiritual forces, health and healing, answered prayer, guidance,
power over sin, and anointing for ministry.

There is a difference, however, between benefits and reasons. Benefits refer to God’s
response to our fasting, but reasons refer to our initial motive. It is tempting to focus on
the benefits of fasting and miss the main reason for fasting: to draw near to God.

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and
weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

Richard Foster is to the point: “If our fasting is not unto God, we have failed. Physical
benefits, success in prayer, the enduring with power, spiritual insights — these must
never replace God as the center of our fasting.”

Fasting is an act of starving our flesh, that we might hunger for God. Our motive is to
express that He is the bread that satisfies our hunger, and the water that quenches our
thirst (John 6:35).

So as you enter into this time of fasting, use this as an opportunity to receive more of
who God is.

Click here for the booklet that includes suggestions and guidelines for Every Nation’s 2010 nationwide fast.

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