…then they will fast in those days. Luke 5:35 (NKJV)
I haven’t talked about fasting for a while on this website, though it goes hand in hand with prayer. In My Tea Cupp Prayers I wrote about “Just Tea, No Cookies.” And in More Tea Cupp Prayers, I share the “Empty Plate” devotion. But I remember way back when I first started fasting, I had lots of questions and no answers because churches don’t always talk about it. I’m reminded of fasting every year when I read the book of Esther.
There are so many other examples of fasting in the Bible: Moses fasted on the mountain. Elijah fasted in despair. The people of Ezra proclaimed a fast by the River Ahava. Nehemiah was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nineveh fasted when they heard Jonah’s prophecy. Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Paul began his ministry with a fast. Cornelius was fasting when God called Peter to him. All the Jews were called to fast yearly on the Day of Atonement. And many others fasted, as well (Exodus 34:28; Leviticus 23:27–28; Numbers 29:7; 1 Kings 19:8; Jonah 3:5–10; Ezra 8:21; Nehemiah 1:4; Matthew 4:2; Acts 9:9, Acts 10:30–31).
…I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV)
Today I have a video for you that explains fasting in a clear and concise way, the best I have ever heard. This fasting video is made by a dear sister of a dear friend. Her name is Terri and she is battling cancer. Please pray for Terri and take notes as she shares her well-researched fasting tips and information. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJa6Lkwxgg&t=2s]
Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Isaiah 58. Please fast and pray today for Terri and all who are suffering a major health crisis. Make fasting a monthly part of your prayer journey. The Lord will draw near to you as you draw near to Him!
p.s. If you liked today’s post, you may also enjoy The Fasting TEA CUPP.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you… James 4:8 (NKJV)
But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:17–18 (NKJV)
When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting,
That became my reproach. Psalm 69:10 (NKJV)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson