(Acts 13:2) As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Sometimes the need for guidance and direction in life gets critical. As a result, we may be tempted to grab at anything in the dark. Why? Because we tend to be anxious at uncertainty and just want things to settle down. That way we can enjoy the feeling of security that comes with permanency. But why not guide that negative emotional energy into something positive, like fasting for guidance? Giving up a little food and spending time in prayer for God’s navigation just might be the right thing to do!
Let’s look at some Biblical examples of fasting for guidance:
-After a loss in a battle with the Benjamites, Israel fasted and prayed. The word of God came, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” And sure enough, the next day they secured an important victory. (Judges 20)
-Ezra and his group needed guidance and protection in their post-exilic return to Jerusalem from Persia. So, what did they do? “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.” (Ezra 8:21) The Lord guided them safely all the way!
-When Paul was up in Antioch, the church spent some time in worship and prayer. And instead of having a potluck, they fasted. As a result, the Holy Spirit spoke and gave guidance to Saul and Barnabas to start traveling and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church laid hands on them and sent them out on their journey, being led by the Holy Spirit. What an amazing and fruitful trip they had with many coming to the Lord and churches being established! (Acts 13:1-4)
You see, when you fast, you intensify your prayers and those arrows cut through bronze into a response! Ever heard of P.U.S.H.? Pray Until Something Happens. When you seek the Lord through fasting and prayer, doors will open for you!
(Jer 29:13) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
(Mat 7:7) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
(James 5:16) . . . The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
The tendency nowadays is to seek answers from the internet or from friends. But have you heard the exhortation, “Before you go to the phone, go to the throne.” Or how about this one, “Before you surf the web, why not seek the Lord instead?” Extreme situations call for extreme measures. Sometimes you have to push it on through. Put some umph in your prayers and watch God guide you through!
Louie