What I like most about fasting is that it reminds us that we live not by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). It makes us vividly aware that it’s not food but God that sustains us.

When we fast, we do more than just abstain from food; we feast extra on the Word of God. As a result, we see our lives in a fresh, divine light. We are able to straighten out our priorities and see how we have allowed unimportant things to crowd out what truly matters.

When you fast natural food and feast on the food that nourishes your spirit, your inner man grows strong. You break free from fleshly cravings that have crept in and enslaved you. The apostle Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything….” Natural desires (fine when kept under the Spirit’s dominion) left unchecked become like rivers that rush past their banks. They wreak havoc wherever they go. Fasting turns back the flood tide and keeps them under control.

Isn’t it wonderful that God has provided us with ways to bring our flesh in line and clear the clutter from our souls so that we can more easily hear from Him? Aren’t you grateful that the Holy Spirit Himself leads us and gives us the grace we need to mortify our flesh so that we can walk freely in the spirit with Him?

I am! And I’ve made up my mind to lay hold of that grace by faith.

By the power of God, I’m going to get the carnal clutter out of my life and set my attention more fully on things above. I’m not going to gripe and complain about it while I do it, either. I’m going to rejoice in it. I’m glad God has given me the opportunity and the power to die to my flesh, because the more I die to my flesh, the more liberty I have in Him!

I know you feel the same way. No doubt, you’re as hungry to fulfill the will of God in these vital days as I am. So in the weeks and months ahead, join me in seeking the Lord about these things. Let Him show you what you can do to clear out your life so you can more effectively perceive and heed the promptings of His Spirit as you watch and pray. Start getting the buzz saws, the hammers, and the yapping voices of the world out of the way so you can more readily hear His still, small voice.

Together we’ll grow ever more alert. As soldiers in God’s army of prayer, we’ll win victories in the final days of this age and lay up rewards for the next. We’ll keep on watching and praying until the war is won.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27