#83 “Understanding the Role of Fasting”

(Spiritual Breakthrough) Pt.7

“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly.

Summon the elders and all who live in the land

 to the house of the Lord you God,

and cry out to the Lord."

(Joel 1:14)

King James Version (KJV)

Have you ever felt like this? Ever been in a situation that seemed bleak and hopeless? This is where the children of Israel were and they need a massive breakthrough!  In the scripture the prophet Joel is describing the condition of the children of Israel, spiritually. Here he is saying that everything is dried up and withered from the fruit trees in the fields to the joy of mankind. In his eye it is a time to put on sackcloth, mourn and wail (cry) time to spend the night before God in prayer; because everything is withered everything has gone wrong. “And also you priests put on your robes and join the outcry. You who lead people in worship lead them in lament. Spend the night dressed in gunnysacks you servants of my God. Nothing’s going on in the place of worship no offerings, no prayers—nothing. Declare a holy fast, call a special meeting, get the leaders together round up everyone in the country. Get them into God’s Sanctuary for serious prayer to God.” (Joel 1:13-14 MSG)

So what was the Prophet Joel saying? Joel was saying that the condition of the people was so bad that they need to come and repent to God. Have you ever been in a state of being were nothing seems to be going right; where you feel life and joy is withered up within you? This is a time for fasting for a ‘breakthrough’!  Because no matter how far it seems you have moved away from God He is never far from you. Jonah understood what this meant because he found himself in just such a situation… “Jonah prayed: "I called to the LORD in my distress, and he answered me. From the depths of my [watery] grave I cried for help, and you heard my cry.”

Jonah had rebelled against God and refused to do what God was telling him too. Instead of going to Nineveh he took a ship to Tarshish in an attempt to flee the call of God.  This only got Jonah into more trouble; he was thrown overboard and swallowed up by a giant fish.  Here in the belly of the fish it seemed that all hope was gone, yet he cried out to the Lord and He heard him and delivered him.  What God was wanting Jonah to do is repent! 

What does God require when it comes to repentance?  “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)  The only way to get a breakthrough when you are in a situation like Jonah or King David is to fast and pray.  Needless to say this is often the last thing on our minds when we have fallen in to a backslidden condition. Just as the prophet Joel instructed the children, this is a time to spend some serious time before the Lord in fasting and prayer. It’s time to let Him know how much you need Him help and guidance and most of all His deliverance.

This is what the Lord says, “Come now declares the Lord, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Tear your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord you God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Once we let the Lord knows you’re truly sorry and ready to return He will help you. No one who has ever known the love of the Lord ever truly wants be away from Him; however we may allow life’s circumstances and situation to drive us away for the Lord presence just like Adam and Eve.  “When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God. God called to the Man: “Where are you?”

But just as God had an answer for Adam and Eve so too He has an answer for us…“Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things. Be not afraid, of wild animals, for the open pastures are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches. Be glad, o people of ion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends rains, as before. There threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-my great army that I sent among you.” (Joel 2:12-25)

 

So we see here that when we enter into a sincere time of fasting and prayer before God he will deliver us He will send breakthrough. But not just breakthrough but He will restore that which we have lost during our time of waywardness. Isn’t that simply amazing, that God would not only deliver us but then turn around and bless us too? Where can you find any God like our God? So if you are struggling with a situation and just can’t seem to break free, then you should go before the Lord in fasting and prayer. Tell the Lord that you’re coming before Him in consecration, seeking His face and His deliverance. God will answer your cry!

My Prayer: Father God, help us to say like King David in Psalms 51: 10-12 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Lord God, teach us the way we should go and keep us on the right paths.  Thank You Father for your loving kindness and for Your great love towards us.  Thank you for Your mercy and grace and Your great compassion. These things we ask in Jesus name, Amen!

 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace! 

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