Fasting, typically in the form of food deprivation, is purposed by God according to Isaiah 58:6 to loose the bonds of wickedness, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke.
So when God calls a fast, it is to draw us closer to him and away from any burden that the enemy has placed. In accordance with the word, I chose to set aside one day of the week to fast, to deny myself of food for a period of time, and to instead immerse myself in the word. After all man shall not live by bread alone, right?
As my relationship with God grew, my sprit no longer felt comfortable with certain types of music and I gave that up pretty easily by the grace of God.
The same willingness could not be shared when I was instructed in 2015 to give up television and social media. The Lord asked me for a 30 day fast off all entertainment platforms, which at the time (being a major fan of social media and many shows) seemed like forever.
After a period of dramatics, I had to take a step back and find out what God was trying to do. Because at first it felt like punishment, why was God asking me to give up something I enjoyed, something that’s a part of everyday life (it’s not that deep right?)
But what I couldn’t see at the time, was that my loving father was giving me the opportunity to receive more from him. To reach a deeper level in my relationship with him that could only be done by removing distractions and turning my heart to him completely.
So after I relinquished all to God in total surrender, my next question was… what was I going to do with all the spare time (we often forget how many hours a day we spend ‘entertaining’ ourselves). See we as Christians often complain about not having enough time to spend with God. But, as I soon found out, that was not the case. Time isn’t the issue- there are twenty-four hours in a day- our priorities are often the problem.
We just have to ask ourselves what’s most important to us. If spending time with God is truly your desire, putting your phone down and picking up the bible instead should be your next move. Paul talked about dying to self-daily- I have needs and selfish desires but I put those aside daily in an effort to build my relationship with God.
You don’t have to wait for divine instruction before you make this commitment, you can give yourself thirty days to leave behind ‘entertainment’ to seek God. Let the holy spirit guide you, there may be a particular thing in your life (be it a show, an artist, twitter, a person) which you place over God (whether you know it or not). Ask the holy spirit for help…he will guide you into all truth.
At first, it may seem difficult but when you throw yourself into the word, you’ll realise that in his presence there is fullness of joy, there is peace that passeth all understanding.
In hindsight, choosing to obey God was the best thing I could have done. It allowed me much more time to spend in the word, which then became truly enjoyable. Things quiet down and I am able to hear the spirit of God without having my thoughts clouded with other things. As a matter of fact, It’s been so wonderful that I have decided to carry the fast on, I take it one day at a time (and it’s been one year already!!) and God has been so faithful. As my God mother says, once you’ve truly encountered God…there’s no going back.
See, whenever God wants to move us to the next level it requires an act of sacrifice, an act of obedience, and in obedience there are rewards. When I understood Galatians 2:20- I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me- my perspective changed.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Are you ready?
Susan Adelegan
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Twitter – @sussi_A_27
