Day 56 — Preparing for Blessing
Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
What I love about this passage is that while they were fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke, set them apart and sent them out. When you’re sent out you go with his anointing. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that their habit of fasting made way for blessing. Throughout the Bible we see God’s people fasting immediately before a victory, miracle or an answer to prayer. It prepared them for a blessing, forming them in a way that God could fill them.
For me, fasting has always been a struggle. I remember beginning an ambitious 21 day fast and caving a mere four days later. Not even close! The time I set aside for prayer was filled with hours of watching Gordon Ramsay cook on YouTube. It was just too tempting! We won't always get it right but God loves it when we say, 'Yes'.
Everybody knows the physical benefits that fasting provides. It cleanses our bodies, helps with weight loss and muscle strength. It helps give us greater clarity in our mind but it also brings life to our relationship with God.
As God’s people we don’t fast to seek a blessing, but we can fast to prepare for one. It’s simply another way to say ‘yes’ to him.
Right now we find ourselves in a season we haven’t been in before and maybe it’s time to try something we haven’t done before. I'm believing that if we say ‘yes’ to God through fasting, be it for one meal, one day, or in other ways, we too will be set apart and sent out with his anointing. Let’s prepare ourselves for the blessing that’s coming.
While a biblical fast is abstaining from food — It’s important to say if you do say 'yes' in this way, you should only do so if your health allows and you should never fast if you have an eating disorder. For those who can’t, you can also consider fasting from social media or screens!
Prayer — Jesus, help us set aside time to intentionally prepare ourselves for what you want to do.
Michael Shannon
Leadership Team