Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:3
“The most common fast in the Bible was to seek God’s salvation from enemies. Ezra fasted when faced with danger on the way to Jerusalem, asking God for divine protection (Ezra 8:21-28). Esther fasted when she faced evil Haman and realized there was no other way or hope for the Jews (Esther 4:16). Jehoshaphat fasted when the Canaanite and Syrian armies were invading (2 Chronicles 20:3). According to psychology, the two basic human responses to danger are fight or flight. But God offers us a third response:
fasting. That’s what Jehoshaphat did as king—he sought the Lord through fasting, rather than immediately fighting or fleeing.
Fasting gets us back in touch with the almighty God, who is able to deliver us. Sometimes we face problems bigger than ourselves, but they are not bigger than God. History is full of godly people who learned to face life’s calamities on their knees with fasting. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for their good. This same God is our God today. Whatever the enemy means for evil in our lives, God will turn for our good if we seek to follow and be faithful to Him.
In many instances, fasting turns into feasting. God turns mourning into joy, sickness into healing, defeat into victory. It’s not that fasting has its own power, but fasting exposes our powerlessness. Then, in our weakness, we find God to be our strength and source of refuge. When you hit rock bottom, get on your knees, humble yourself before God, and fast. You will discover God to be not only God of the mountains but also God of the valleys. If life has broken you down, break your pride and fast. You will find God bringing your breakthrough on the other side. Trust Him!”
Vladimir Savchuk in A Beginner’s Guide to Fasting: Simple, Practical, Biblical (Pasco, WA: 2024) 18-19.
The Global Gathering has finished well. Stay tuned for a trip report from the staff.
Meanwhile I fasted a meal as I needed help from God over the past day. I had to work on my talks for preaching in multiple churches in Seoul, South Korea, this weekend and for speaking at the World Evangelical Alliance Global Assembly.
Hear me say that I called to God saying “Help!” and I report that He gave me words and guided my thoughts.
Do you have a lot on your plate? Is your life full? Do you feel overwhelmed? Don’t fight or flight. Fast. It will position you to be filled by God and empowered for your most generous and fruitful service.
In about 12 hours, I travel all day and cross the date line and arrive about the time I depart. Thanks for your prayers for a safe arrival and 36 good hours at home before reverting to Seoul.
Why not go straight there? I have three checked bags full of GTP supplies. I need to change all that out and have one checked suitcase full of suits and ties for Korea.