“When Fasting”
Saturday, June 22, 2024Key Verse
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:16).
Text — Matthew 6:16-18
Message
There is a story of a Pastor in Mozambique who decided to embark on a fast for forty days like Jesus did. He did not take precautions and eventually died. While fasting is good, it must be done the right way. Fasting is abstinence from food for a period of time. God encourages His children to fast. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Fasting helps us to subdue the flesh and concentrate more on God. However, do not fast like the Pharisees who do it to be praised of men. We fast to seek God more, to pray for God’s intervention on some specific matters, and to grow in grace.
Christian youths must ensure they have the right attitude when fasting and not to draw attention to themselves. If we plan to fast for a long period, we may seek counsel from our leaders on the right way to do it. Sinners should repent of their sins and accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour for their prayers to be acceptable.
Quote
Do not fast like the Pharisees
Challenge
Fast to add value to your prayers.
Prayer for today
Dear God, help me to utilize the power of fasting, in Jesus name.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
