Come Holy Spiritنموونە

CONSECRATE A FAST

Fasting is God's reset button for the soul. Throughout Scripture, momentous spiritual breakthroughs were preceded by God's people engaging in this spiritual discipline. Moses fasted before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). Esther called a fast before risking her life to save her people (Esther 4:16). Jesus Himself began His ministry with a 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-2).

Joel called for a consecrated fast, not as a religious performance, but as a declaration of spiritual emergency and desperate dependence on God. The Hebrew word for "consecrate" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart as holy. A consecrated fast is one dedicated to God's purposes, not our own.

Notice the comprehensive nature of Joel's call: everyone participates. Young and old, leaders and families, even nursing mothers and newlyweds. This underscores that seeking God's presence is not the responsibility of a select few but the privilege of the entire community.

In Isaiah 58:3-9, God rebukes His people for fasting with wrong motives, then reveals the fast He chooses: to loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share food with the hungry, provide shelter for the wanderer. True fasting realigns our hearts with God's heart for humanity.

Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 9:14-15 that while He was with them, fasting wasn't necessary, but "when the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast." We live in this time-awaiting Christ's return-and fasting remains a powerful discipline for drawing close to God.

Fasting isn't a hunger strike to manipulate God; it's a declaration that we are more desperate for Him than for food, comfort, or routine. When we consecrate ourselves through fasting, we create space for God to move in extraordinary power.

During these days before Pentecost, consider what type of fast God might be calling you to. It might be a traditional food fast, a digital fast from technology, or a lifestyle fast from certain comforts. Whatever form it takes, let it draw you closer to the heart of God.

Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to fast in a way that draws you closer to God.

Pray for spiritual hunger that exceeds physical hunger in your life and church.

Pray for revelation and clarity to come through your times of fasting.