Fasting in His Presence!

Day 5 of the FAST!

Just wanted to share a word of encouragement here on Day 5 of the FAST! I am having a difficult time expressing just how expectant I am for God to do an incredible work in our lives in 2011 - there is such a deep seated expectation in my heart, and I feel that January's fast will set the course for all that God is going to do this year! To prepare ourselves for His work, we desperately need an infusion of His strength and wisdom as we begin this new year. I think this happens as we fast.

I am convinced that one reason the devil has access to people's emotions is that they keep flying through life without taking time to get renewed in the Presence of the Lord. They ignore their need to sit, to rest, and to wait upon the Lord. As a result, their perception of things around them gets blurred. Doing too much at a fast pace has worn them down, causing them to lose their focus and affecting their ability to see things the way they really are. That is how many people start the New Year. Someone was attributed with saying once, “Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.” This is not true of us though; change has begun as we seek the Lord in prayer and fasting!

The only way we can remain continually effective is by making sure we spend time with the Lord. It is so simple, yet so difficult sometimes. Is His Presence all you desire in 2011? In order to truly enter His Presence so we can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, we must first quiet ourselves by getting away from the commotion of life and finding a quiet place to worship, pray, fast, and read the Word. That's the only way we can quiet our soul enough to be able to hear God's voice speaking to our inner man. To think that we are going to run into the Lord's Presence and get everything we need in the space of five minutes just isn't realistic. We must schedule time to be alone with God. Fasting sets the table for you to grow in intimacy with Him. During your normal meal times, you can schedule time to silence yourself in His presence.

Don't just run in and run out of the Lord's Presence this January. Plan to settle down and stay there long enough to get everything you need to carry on! Once you've stopped long enough to really rest in His Presence, you're finally in a position where you can start receiving from Him. Don't move too fast. Don't leave until you receive the refreshing you need. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you peace, joy, strength, and direction.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

I am praying that in 2011 as we join together in fasting, obeying the Word of God and listening to the Holy Spirit's leading, we will have the wisdom to know every step we need to take in the days ahead. All we have to do is obey God's instructions, and He guarantees us blessing and provision even in difficult times. But if we try to take another approach, there is no guarantee for us to claim. This next year, we, as His people, must do what God says if we want to be assured of His divine blessing and protection!

Spending time with the Lord is not an option in 2011 - it is the answer! So start this New Year off right by coming into the Presence of God and allow Him to refresh you today. Would you prepare yourself for the 21-day journey today by spending time with Him? As you do, the Holy Spirit will release His resurrection power and you will be quickened in your physical body. You will be strengthened, refreshed, recharged, and supernaturally empowered by God so you can get back out there with a fresh perspective and new energy to finish what you have started!

What is it that you desperately need God to do in your life through this fast? In what areas of your life do you need His direction? Fasting brings humility and direction. What has been your experience with fasting in the past and how can that testimony encourage and strengthen others as they are gearing up for the fast? Share with others your thoughts in the comments below. We are fasting together!

Let's move forward during the FASTING MOVEMENT! This past Sunday began the first day of the best days of the rest of our lives – let’s go!

Pastor Craig Mosgrove