September 6, 2023

Taking time to fast is very important so that the eyes of our hearts can focus again on the goals and agenda that God has set. Because it is undeniable, in our daily life, we face many conditions and events that often distract our eyes and energy. So, to make our lives focus again on God and His will, concrete actions are needed, one of which is fasting.

When we fast, we automatically erode external things and at the same time the tendency of our hearts to want to associate with spiritual or divine things. Reading the Word and praying will be our priority activities in life. When we spend more time on this, our eyes and direction in life will be realigned by the Holy Spirit to focus on God’s agenda. We become more confident with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit who wants our lives to be built according to what He has ordained. Our ability to focus on that direction will become stronger.

Isaiah 58:6-7 (NKJV) “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Through the verse above it is very clear to explain the purpose of fasting, one of which is to make us return to preparing and doing what God directs. We will return to live following the promptings and desires of the Spirit, and we will even be convinced to continue to live in the calling that God has ordained!

There are 3 basic foundation of our lives that will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit when we fast:

1. The determination to live only from the Word will become stronger and interaction with His Word will become more intimate.

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

2. The Spirit of truth will increasingly dominate our lives, so that the devil’s most crafty and cunning tricks cannot apply to us.

We focus more and more on knowing God and only obeying what He commands. God is the Lord and King of our lives. We will easily recognize and reject everything that is different from God’s desire!

Matthew 4:6-7 (NKJV) and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

3. The eyes of our heart will be cleaner and brighter, so that we can see clearly that the world’s gleam is RUBBISH!

We will see more and more clearly how powerful and great is the calling and glory of God. We become increasingly disinterested and even hateful of all the gleam of the world! At the same time our spiritual authority and stature will be more powerful to rule by speaking the words.

Matthew 4:8-10 (NKJV) Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Fasting is a way that God has provided for us to be able to focus again on Him and His will!

 Ps. Steven Agustinus

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