Do you have deep longings for the coming year — things you want God to do in your life, a loved one’s life…on your job or in your ministry? There is something you can do this month that will set the course for what God does in your life throughout the year — something that will bring you closer to God and release His supernatural wisdom, power and blessing into every area of your life.
We here at Crossroads of Grace believe the best way to begin the new year is by honoring God with a 21-day fast. Corporately fasting in January is much the same precept as praying in the morning to establish the will of God for the entire day. If we will pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
We give God the first of our day, the first of our week and the first of our income. Why not the first of the year?
When we give God the first of our year in prayer and fasting…He gives unto us all year long. During April, May, June…and even into December, we receive blessings that wouldn’t be ours if we hadn’t dedicated the first to God in January with a fast.
Deep Longings
Are there things you are aching for God to do in your life? Maybe you’ve been praying about them but it seems there has been no answer. Fasting takes prayer to a higher level of fulfillment! When you fast, you embark on a spiritual journey that will change your life. Not only are you more likely to get your prayers answered, you will draw closer to God than ever before.
A Lifestyle
Fasting was never meant to be the rare practice that it is today among Christians. After Jesus called his disciples, He gave them their first public teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. In it He explained to them the kingdom of God — its laws and life. He provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. This pattern mentions three specific responsibilities: giving, praying and fasting.
In this passage Jesus said, “When you give…”, “When you pray” and “When you fast” (See Matthew 6). He made it obvious that fasting is to be a regular part of the Christian life. He did not say “if you fast” but “when you fast.” We are to give as much focus and priority to fasting as we do to giving and praying.
Making prayer and fasting a regular, habitual part of our lives is central to a life full of the Holy Spirit:
“24And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24-25, emphasis added).
Following Jesus’ Example
Jesus doesn’t expect us, His modern day disciples, to do something He didn’t do. Before launching His ministry, Jesus spent time in fasting and prayer. How can we expect to launch into the coming year without the same? If the Word of God—the One who spoke this world into being—found fasting necessary in God’s economy, then who are we to try to live by any other standard? Who are we to think that we can attempt to live without it?
If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way.
Jesus said in John 13,”You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am…I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do…If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it – and live a blessed life.”
The Blessed Life
I want to live a blessed life, don’t you? And blessings are released in the supernatural realm when we fast and pray! We come to know God in deeper, fuller, more intimate ways!
Bondages of sin are broken. Relationships are restored. Direction and wisdom are imparted. Burdens are lifted. We experience financial blessing, spiritual renewal, supernatural healing, abundant provision and so much more! An anointing of God’s presence descends upon the entire year!
How to Begin
We are excited that you have decided to experience the life-changing principle of fasting. Seek the Lord and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask Him to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. Have a clear goal before you begin as to the length and type of fast…and enter it determined to remain committed. Be ready to grow in your walk with Christ and experience Him like never before.
This morning, at Crossroads of Grace, we have set aside a special time of preparing and prayer over one another as we begin our journey over these next 21 days. Then, tonight, at sundown, we begin our 21 Day Fast. I want you to know that I will be lifting you up in prayer as you fast, and ask that you do the same for me. I will also be posting daily encouragement and devotions to help you in your commitment over these next 21 days.
I’m looking forward to pursuing Christ with you these 21 days and experiencing God’s promised reward: “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
- Pastor Donnie