Monday – Gospels and Acts

Reading – Acts 13

Highlight Verses:

“One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’m a very logical person.

When I need to make a decision, I try to weigh all the facts and make the wisest decision according to what will have the best outcome.

But there is a major problem with that kind of decision making.

It leaves God out of the equation.

Don’t get me wrong. God wants us to weigh the facts when we make decisions.

But, when we turn to Him for guidance, he sheds His light on the facts and helps us to see beyond the obvious.

According to today’s reading, there are two parts to this – prayer and fasting.

Obviously, prayer is talking to God; placing our cares and decisions before Him and giving Him control over our decisions.

One way to explain fasting (especially to us car guys) is that it is prayer with the windshield wipers on.

Fasting clears away that which would distract us from correctly hearing from God.

I’ll be honest; I do not like fasting.

As a result, I don’t fast often enough.

But sometimes I need it.

And more often it would be helpful to me.

Fasting is traditionally abstaining from food. That can be complete or for part of each day.

Now many abstain from their phones or electronic entertainment. Others abstain from sweets.

The main idea is getting what distracts us out of the way.

Different types of fasting have different levels of effectiveness.

As someone who loves food, fasting from food is the most effective for me.

Which ever method works best for you, I highly recommend fasting, especially when you need to hear clearly from God.

When has fasting been effective in your life?
Which method works best for you and why?