Day three of our most crucial time in 2010. What will these 21 days of devotion to God bring for us? I don't believe we can know the depth of what we will receive! Protection in 2010. Direction. Deliverance. The list goes on according to each personal circumstance. I know as Christians we have God's protection and guidance. But consider this... God's word consistently speaks of diligence; it speaks of seeking the Lord. The word says, “Well done” to the one who does the most with what he has been given. How could we have God's grace available to us to fast for 21 days and yet be lazy like the man given one talent in Matthew 25:26.
How could we not use that grace as a weapon to fight our adversary for our family, and for the advancement of God's kingdom?
I know for myself that I would not risk losing what this fast will bring for my family. In Ezra 8:21-23, he proclaimed a fast just before journeying to Jerusalem, to humble himself and the people before God and ask Him for a safe journey for his children and his people. And God answered their prayer! It is my greatest desire for my family, my wife and my three wonderful sons, to have a safe journey this year, to have divine protection, and to walk in an authority that tells the enemy, “No!” I am fasting not only for protection, but also for direction in our daily lives, for my sons in school, their relationships and choices. And as pastor, I seek these very things for the children, students and parents, placing a covering over the families of Yorkville Heights!
I also believe it is our duty to fast. I would certainly rather give up my life and consumption of food for 21 days in order to gain life and divine blessings obtained in no other way, just as the boy in Matthew 17:21 received his deliverance. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” – notice, in no other way.
Why would we risk forfeiting the great things God will release by completing this 21 day fast? What regret we would have if we could see the breakthroughs and blessings that could have been ours. Some of us may be having a difficult day today, wondering, “I don't know if I can do this.” We can, and we will! Let me encourage you... In Matthew 25:14 notice the servants were “given” the talents from their master. It was not from their own resources. God's grace, His supernatural ability to fast, has been “given” to us to fast these 21 days. It is not in our own strength. Do not deny yourself and your family the use of this powerful weapon available. And on Day 21, when we have used our Master's given grace to go further spiritually, to protect our families, to receive breakthroughs, especially in situations of desperation, we, too, will hear, “Well done” by our Father – AND – will receive many things and share in God's reward! Matthew 25:21
May we all desperately and dutifully desire Him through fasting and prayer, and receive all He has for us!
FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 19.
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