My first experience with the concept of fasting was just before Training Camp for the June 07 World Race. We were asked to fast for 10 days and it just about killed me. I chose to do a Daniel fast and I thought it seemed crazy to only eat fruits, veggies and grains for 10 days. Those 10 days I fantasized more about sugar, complex carbs and good ole processed foods more than God. I think it was probably the opposite of what fasting was supposed to accomplish.
As the 07 World Race continued we fasted on a few occasions and I grew in knowledge about the benefits of fasting and even found it to draw me closer to God-the intended purpose! I can’t say I ever enjoyed fasting, but I did come to see the benefits.
The October 08 squad also started the race with a fast and it is a practice we do often as a squad. Corporate fasting has a spiritual depth to it that is indescribable and the heavens are moved when we all join together in this type of worship.
Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” I think this is His reminder for us to seek His face together.
For some time down I have felt that I have not been diligent enough with all of you to ask you to join me in prayer. I have not invited you to join me enough. I am constantly reminded that I am not out here alone, but I think I can do a better job inviting you to actually partner with what God is doing here and at home.
I have so many who I know are praying for me and with me and I want to be more intentional with requests and see if we can’t shake the heavens together more often.
To that end, I want to ask you to join me in some prayer and fasting. Many know that Mom has been battling cancer for some time and have watched as God made promises to our family about her healing. At this moment we are not seeing those promises come to fruition in the natural and I feel the need to ask you to shake heaven with us to see the physical manifestation of this healing.
I take God at His Word and His Word says this about illness and healing:
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere about the Good News of the Kingdom. And he healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows…but He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our inequities. The punishment that brought peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed!”
John15:7 “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.”
We must line ourselves up with the truth of God’s word and declare it with our mouths. As I told my family last week we can choose to trust in the words of man (or doctors) OR with the words of God.
To that end, the Lord has put on my heart that I should fast each week on the day that my mom has chemo treatment. I am asking that you would join me in this endeavor, either by praying for me or joining me in the fast. I BELIEVE that Mom has already been healed in Jesus’ name and we just need to seek the Lord’s face for the physical manifestation of the healing.
If you feel the Lord asking you to join me and are unsure about fasting I would implore you to search the Scriptures. Over and over throughout the Bible we have examples of faithful people who have petitioned God and humbled themselves before Him. Ask him what His word says about fasting. I will also be happy to chat with you about it as well; just be patient as I may be slow to receive email.
