A Fast Fast

Yes, I know the word fast is repeated and yes, it is purposeful. I have been reading in Isaiah and stopped and hitched up my horse to chapter 58...yes, I really just said that! Fasting is something that I believe God uses. He fasted and prayed in the wilderness for me long ago and the account in Luke blows me away. We miss so many beautiful truths in this passage by breezing by it. Here are some things that stick out to me:

1. Jesus was LED to the wilderness...
   It says the Holy Spirit LED Jesus there. He was not just taking in the scenery and being awed by the amazing sunsets He must have seen. The Holy Spirit took him there with a purpose. He was to be tempted by the devil.

2. Jesus was being tested as the 2nd Adam
   Adam didn't choose obedience. He plunged us headlong toward a separation from God, but Jesus was about to show His love for me by wrestling Satan for my very soul. He would overcome the temptation and in doing so, redeem me. It's also cool that He was tested for 40 days...similar to the 40 year wandering in the wilderness by the children of Israel. Jesus would successfully do God's will as no one had been able to prior.

*I love how Jesus is God but is humbled by humanity in these verses. He is led by the HS, just like we are. He was susceptible to temptation, yet didn't. He was hungry, but trusted God to provide. He never once abused His power...which He had all along as God. Wow!

3. Jesus chose God's Way Instead of the "easy way out"
   Satan told Jesus He could have all of the kingdoms of the world. He was going to give him those things and power...but with a price. Jesus wouldn't have gone to the cross, but in the end He would not have followed the Father's will and our souls would have been damned.

*Even after the temptation was over, it said the devil left, but for a time. He will always be back. He will not give up until Jesus comes back for us.


Now back to the fasting business. Jesus fasted. He prayed and He quoted the Word. So, how should we fast? I would think modeling Jesus' method would work. He was God after all.

Many times in the course of my Christian life I have "fasted", but after really studying the examples giving in scripture I don't think I've had pure motives. I found my experiences being selfish and quick fixes. I wanted an answer, usually my answer, and I wanted it quickly. After thinking about the condition of my heart and lack of willingness to follow the Holy Spirit when things weren't going my way, I have decided to fast the right way. Biblically.

Right now, I am about to begin a time of weekly fasting. I am burdened for a loved one, seeking direction in my life as far as a career and/or going back to school and also for the man God has for me. I want to honor him even before I know him and seek God's wisdom for when I do meet him. I am excited about following the Lord faithfully as I seek Him in these important issues in my life. I can't wait to see how He chooses to work in my life and in those whom I am praying for. He is good. He is faithful and He desires to glorify Himself in my life and through my prayers and fasting. I'll keep you posted. :)