It's Not About Me...

Acts 13:2-3 (NIV)
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. 

Paul was preparing to leave on the first missionary journey, so he fasted and prayed. This was a normal practice for the early Christians. When Jesus taught them about fasting said, when you fast, not if you fast. That sounds like a command, not an idle comment.

Prayer and fasting are Spiritual Disciplines. These disciplines are training ground for us; we learn to lean on God and turn to His Word for direction. Prayer and Fasting is a natural component of the Christian life and almost nothing of any significance in our lives is accomplished without it. They augment our Spiritual growth.

I believe it is time I practiced growing in my faith by adding fasting to my routine. I have thought about this often, but, unlike my prayer time and the time spent in the Word, fasting requires that I do without.  I must admit, I enjoy my morning prayer time as I locate my comfy chair, right in front of the cozy fireplace alongside my steaming cup of coffee. Some how I have made this special time all about my comfort. Now that is a major eye-opener for this writer.

I am starting to recognize that fasting is what is missing from my life. A reason to fast is to draw closer to God without worldly distractions. Food is certainly a worldly distraction for me. I plan my day around it. See the point here?

I want to be planning my day around what God is telling me. As I begin this day I will remember these words: So after they had fasted and prayed...that is when things happened. After prayer and fasting, God did great things with and through them. He will do the same for you and for me; after they had fasted and prayed.

Acts 12:25-13:3