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The Fast: DAY 10

Tuesday, January 13

1 Kings 18:44-46 (NIV)“The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the LORD came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.”

Devotion

In times of plenty, like most of the US today, fasting is a choice. When people cast off restraint, as Israel did, following idols in Elijah's time, God often brings a spanking in the form of a famine, which creates involuntary fasting. Elijah was cared for, first by the ravens bringing bread and meat and later by the widow at Zarephath. And though he was eating, his food was limited. After three and a half years of famine, God decided to work a great miracle (fire from heaven) to prove that Yahweh is God, to end the famine by sending rain, and to provide an opportunity for repentance and revival.

We can fast voluntarily and seek Jesus, or we can wait for God to send a famine to force involuntary fasting. The involuntary fast is longer and harder, 42 months in Elijah's time rather than 21 days. Yet, at the end of fasting, we have the chance to see God's power. Talk about running and not growing faint—Elijah outran Ahab's horses and chariots the 15+ miles from Mount Carmel to Jezreel.

The abundance of food and the resulting choice to eat or to fast does not continue indefinitely when people cast off restraint, as much of the US and the world has done today. May we choose restraint in our personal habits—our eating, our drinking, our viewing, our words, etc. May we be redeeming the time, because the days are evil. If, by the grace of God, we cry out to Jesus and keep our lifestyles within Biblical boundaries, even when the involuntary fast hits everyone around us, we can trust in God's provision and be content whether well fed or hungry. And as Elijah did, we will demonstrate God’s power and be vessels of honor through which God can use to turn the hearts around us back to Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I don't like being hungry and that I have often cast off restraint like worldly people around me. Thank You for the gift of repentance and faith in Jesus. By the blood of Jesus, help me to practice biblical restraint in my eating, my drinking, my sexual purity, my Bible reading, my worship, my fasting, and my prayer. Give me a Bible verse for the year that I can hold onto as a prophecy. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Don’t wait for pressure to force surrender. Like Elijah, respond before the rain fully comes. Pray daily with expectation, speak faith even when the sign seems small, and prepare your heart and habits for God’s coming abundance. What begins as a man’s hand can quickly become a downpour when met with obedience and faith.

Resources
  • Feeling like your fast is producing “just a little”? Don’t stop. Watch this short clip, “Little Is Much When God Is in It,” and be reminded that when God is involved, small beginnings lead to big results.
  • If you’re standing in faith this fast and trusting God for breakthroughs, miracles, or answered prayers, we want to pray with you! Submit your Prayer Request today.
  • No matter what season you’re in, God wants to bring victory, restoration, and healing. Join one of our Support Groups and take a step toward the life He has for you.
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