Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Ezra 8:21-23. We learn through scripture that fasting is a spiritual tool and practice that God honors. Why?
“ There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
God listens to our prayers
Because it is a means of humbling ourselves before the Lord, and the very act itself says that we are willing to lay down even the necessities of life to seek after God. Matthew teaches that it is not “if we fast” but rather, “when we fast.” (Matt. 6:16) Kings, queens and disciples alike, in times of great need, wisely turned to the Lord in prayer and fasting. This act of submission and humility is a practice for us today. It opens the ears of God to our cries and He lovingly hears our concerns. Remember, you must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6
Are you in need?
Have you been asking the Lord for something that you are desperate for?
God knows your heart and He knows your needs and when you humble yourself before Him through this ancient spiritual practice, the word of God tells us it will come with a reward.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you hear me. Thank you that you care for my needs. Father, you know my situation. Help me to humble myself and trust you no matter the outcome. Open my eyes and understanding of the practice of fasting.
In Jesus Name,
Amen