Posted: Based on “The Battle Is Not Yours, but God’s” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/9-10/10, Message #MB403; Daily Devotional #1 - “The Fast Change”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): We have been challenged in many ways this past year to step out of our comfort zones. Some of us had no choice—circumstances changed, and we were forced to move into unfamiliar, maybe uncomfortable territory. Others asked God to show them where He wanted them to go and said, “Yes,” to His leading. Still others may be reluctant to take that first step. This weekend, Pastor Mark presented another area for Christ followers to grow closer to God—fasting. No other discipline impacts our comfort zone as personally as fasting. As we consider the aspects of fasting, we may realize that it not only brings us closer to God, it actually changes our comfort zone.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Fasting and prayer demonstrate that we are serious about our relationship with God (2 Chronicles 20). King Jehoshaphat was afraid at the news that enemy nations were coming to destroy the entire nation of Judah and “…turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (2 Chronicles 20:3, NASB) The fearful, but wise, Jehoshaphat stood in the midst of the assembly and prayed for God’s protection. Fasting and prayer demonstrated that he and the nation of Judah were resolute in seeking God. In our own lives, we see that fasting and prayer together indicate that we are willing to deny ourselves the “comfort” of food to focus on becoming closer to God. We recognize that we are dependent on Him to even be able to carry out the discipline of fasting. We come to the realization that it is not about food, it’s about God! We recognize our need to be “clean” before Him, to spend quiet time with Him and allow Him to speak to us. Just as focusing binoculars helps us to have a clearer view, fasting and prayer help us fine tune our spiritual focus to see and hear God more clearly. As we humble ourselves and admit our dependence on God, we seek more of Him and less of ourselves. In emptying ourselves of self, we allow the Holy Spirit to flow freely through us. When the nation of Judah didn’t know what to do, they kept their eyes on God (2 Chronicles 20:12). God delivered them in a most unexpected, miraculous way. Our struggles are different than King Jehoshaphat’s, but our God is the same. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), and His means are greater than we can ever imagine.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): At first glance, many are apprehensive about fasting. In and of ourselves it is difficult, if not impossible. However, Jesus indicated that His followers would fast when He said, “When you fast,” not “If you fast.” (Matthew 6:16). Jesus never asked His followers to do something He would not give them the grace to do. Pray about it and seek God’s specific will about fasting in your life. Think about this: if fasting brings you closer to God, makes you more like Him, and allows Him to work through you in a greater way, is that not a better comfort zone than the one you are in now?
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ezra 8:21-23; Daniel 9 klw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673 All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted. New American Standard Bible = NASB. |
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