Text: Acts 13:1-3
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
STRENGTHENING YOUR SPIRIT THROUGH FASTING
Memory verse: Joel 2:12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Fasting is when you choose to give up something, like food, watching Television and other things that gives you leisure for a short time so that you can spend that time focusing on God. It is not just about skipping meals. It is about saying, “God, you are more important to me than anything else.”
Fasting is like cleaning out your room. When there is too much clutter, it is hard to move around or find what you need. But when you remove the extra mess, your room becomes peaceful and fresh. In the same way, fasting helps remove distractions from your heart so you can hear God more clearly.
Fasting also strengthens your spirit, like exercise strengthens your body. In lifting weights. At first, it feels hard, and your muscles ache. But the more you train, the stronger you become. When you fast, your spirit becomes stronger because you are learning to say “no” to your own wants and “yes” to God’s will. Sometimes we want things right away, food, fun, or comfort. But fasting teaches patience and self-control. It is like being in a race. You don’t stop at every opportunity along the way; you keep your eyes on the finishing line. Fasting helps you keep your eyes on God instead of always giving in to what your body wants.
Jesus fasted too. Before He began His ministry, He fasted for 40 days to prepare His heart. That shows how powerful fasting can be. When you fast, you draw closer to God, hear His voice better, and grow in faith and discipline. You do not have to do a long fast. You can start small, maybe skip one meal and spend that time praying, reading the Bible, or worshipping. You can even fast from other things, like games or social media, to spend more time with God.
Fasting is not about trying to impress God or others. It is about growing deeper in your relationship with Him. Every time you feel hungry or miss what you gave up, use that moment to pray and remember why you are doing it.
COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 23: SS&S 319: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
- What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
what peace we often forfeit,
what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
- Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
- Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Today’s Prayer
- Lord, help me grow spiritually as I fast and focus more on You each day.
- Father, teach me self-control and deepen my faith as I give up distractions for You.
- God, strengthen the hearts of others as they fast, helping them draw closer to Your presence.
