There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him, but his great anger is against all who forsake Him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Ezra 8:21-23
“Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise. Fasting is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, and a gymnasium for athletes. Fasting repels temptations, anoints unto piety; it is the comrade of watchfulness and the artificer of chastity. In war it fights bravely, in peace it teaches stillness.”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) in Homily on Fasting.
Fasting strengthened Ezra and the people for their journey in today’s Scripture. And it aids others as they employ this spiritual tool. But it requires faith, courage, and fortitude to employ.
Notice the nuances Basil draws out. It “gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful.” It “makes lawgivers wise.” Ever wonder why more people don’t employ this spiritual tool?
We learn the answer in today’s Scripture. They forsake God and trust their own plans. Perhaps you can relate? I know I can. We tend to make this error in judgment.
We might say, as Ezra could have said, “I can just trust the soldiers and horsemen to protect us.” So the temptation to trust in what we can see in front of us is always there.
We must fast from the tendency to look after ourselves. Fasting serves as a “steadfast companion” that reminds us instead to put our trust in God.
Today Jenni and I depart for Frankfurt, Germany and connecting to Prague, Czech Republic. We are fasting and praying like Ezra for safe travel and fruitful service in Eastern Europe and Ukraine through 5 April 2024.
You can still give in support of this strategic trip by designating your gift to Eastern Europe: Project Order, Ukraine: Project Structure, or Ukraine: Project Tiny Houses. Click here to give.
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