This is a blog from Jentzen Franklin that I thought was worth sharing today:
Search me, O God, and
know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any
wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
It is no secret that denying the flesh is difficult. Paul talks about it in Romans; What we want to do we don’t do and what we don’t want to do, that we do. Fasting may not be easy but the presence of God is more than worth it!
Don’t get so focused on how and what to fast that you lose sight of why you’re fasting. It is a time of denying your flesh and feeding your spirit—pray and read the Word daily!
Get your plan prepared. Be sure you have a clear goal for your fast.
Is it direction, restoration of a relationship, healing or financial
breakthrough? Why are you fasting?
Get your spirit prepared. Confess your sins to God. Ask the Lord to
search your heart and reveal areas of your life that need to change (Psalm 139:23-24).
Get your body prepared. If you have health concerns, consult your
doctor. If you have poor eating habits or addictions, this is your
chance to create a healthy change. Seek the Lord and get freedom!
Prepare your menu. What you fast is up to you. You do not have to follow any specific diet to join the corporate fast.
Some choose a full fast in which they only drink liquids. Others fast
like Daniel, abstaining from breads and meats and only drink water. Some
people fast their favorite coffee drink, abstain from all sweets, or
fast one meal a day. There are many types of fasts. God will honor your best sacrifice.
Remember when you fast, it is common to experience headaches and
irritability as your body detoxifies and experiences withdrawals from
caffeine and sugar. And naturally, you will feel hunger. Take advantage
of these moments as a reminder of why you’re fasting and pause to pray
and seek the Lord.
Don’t wait for the perfect time to begin and don’t quit if you
stumble. Remember, it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him
to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58:6-9). May God greatly bless you as you begin your fast!
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