Fasting Movement

  • Keith Waldrop
  • May 21, 2010

     

    Dear Friend,

    For many years now, friends like you have joined me in a 21-day corporate fast to seek and honor God in January for the New Year. "I beseech you therefore; brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). By starting each year with a corporate fast, we have found that God meets with us in very unique and special ways. His presence grows greater and greater with each day of the fast. Without fail, He always shows up! 

    Corporately fasting in January is much the same precept as praying in the morning to establish the will of God for the entire day. I believe that, if we will pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year! "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). 

    Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It's not a punishment; it's a privilege! By making fasting a way of life, you can get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk like never before. Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives. Through fasting, you can experience a release from the bondage of sin ... restoration in your relationships ... financial blessings ... spiritual renewal ... supernatural healing and so much more! 

    Another reward of fasting has to do with your future. God has given you a vision, a divine dream for your life. When you fast, you open up the blessings and opportunities He has provided for you to pursue that dream. As you fast, pray for God's direction and guidance. Focus your faith on your dream and God will show you how you can turn your vision into a reality. Begin pursuing your divine dream today and make the rewards of fasting part of your lifestyle. 

    I want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Two specific areas we will be focusing on together are leadership and finances. The Bible instructs us to continually pray for our leaders. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

    When you look at this scripture closely, you will find there is a great benefit promised to us if we will seek God's will on behalf of our leaders. Our prayers can open the door for us to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." When we lift up our leaders, here in the United States and around the world, we can expect God's peace in our lives and in our nation. 

    Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will "undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free." We are living in tough economic times and I know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, I am believing that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life! 

    I'm so excited that you have decided to take the next step in your spiritual walk through the life-changing principal of fasting. Seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. Start with a clear goal and make a commitment to stick to your fast. Be ready to grow in your walk like never before as you seek the Lord through the Biblical principles of prayer and fasting. Remember, "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11:6) 

    - Jentezen Franklin