While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:2-3
“Fasting should not be reserved for crisis and problems, but also to seek our calling. Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness occurred before the start of His ministry. It was after a season of fasting and testing that Jesus returned “in the power of the Holy Spirit” to fulfill His assignment (Luke 4:14).
As I mentioned, Paul and Barnabas fasted and ministered to the Lord before they were launched into missionary work. Later in their missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for churches by committing them to the Lord with prayer and fasting (Acts 13:2-3). That was how God launched them into their ministry, and then they followed this same pattern to launch other elders into their assignment, establishing a pattern for ministry that included fasting and prayer.
Reflecting on their example, I wonder how much our service to God would change if we brought fasting with prayer back into the core practices of our ministry. When Jesus’ disciples tried to drive a demon out of a boy, Jesus attributed their failure to unbelief. Although Jesus ordained them to cast out demons, the solution to this failed attempt was fasting mixed with prayer.
He said, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). This doesn’t mean that every time we minister deliverance, we have to fast, but we must make prayer and fasting a regular spiritual practice in our life if we want to be effective in our ministry to God. The lack of prayer and fasting will result in the lack of power in ministry. No prayer with fasting will bring about no power in ministry.”
Vladimir Savchuk in A Beginner’s Guide to Fasting: Simple, Practical, Biblical (Pasco, WA: 2024) 21-23.
What an amazing week we have had! Unspeakably good. And we followed the biblical pattern to launch the staff and volunteers by fasting a meal our third day together.
We believe the Holy Spirit gave Jesus what He needed for His assignment and gave us what we needed. A stronger connection to Him and disconnection from the world that has made us ready to multiply faithful and generous stewards.
Stay tuned for a trip report, but for now keep praying for us. The staff will be together on Monday and Tuesday to collaborate on pursuing GTP 2.0.
And may fasting prepare and propel you for more fruitful service. Don’t just do it once or this week. Make it a regular spiritual practice in your life if you want to disconnect from the world and grow in generosity.