A young man received a supposed prophetic word from a prophet. The prophet instructed him to fast for a number of days. The young man, out of curiosity, asked; “Sir, what did God say would happen when I fast?” The prophet replied; “I don’t know, just fast. Don’t you believe in fasting?” The young man humbly replied; “I don’t believe in fasting. I believe in God.”
Friend, God must be at the centre of it all (Colossians 1:16-18). One of the subtle strategies of the devil is to engage you with spiritual activities without focusing on God. Any spiritual activity that does not have God at the centre of it is a mere religious activity (Luke 18:10-14). Religion is like visiting a restaurant, making payment for food without getting the food. It would make you stay awake at night without getting God. It would make you go from church to church without getting in touch with God.
Religion brings bondage; Jesus sets free (Galatians 3:1-5). Religion kills; Jesus gives life (John 6:63, 2 Corinthians 3:6). Religion takes from you, Christianity adds to you. You can either fast for religious reasons or you fast for intimacy. We must be careful that we don’t get swamped with activities while missing God in the process. The people in the days of Jesus were so engrossed in religion that when Jesus showed up, they missed Him (John 1:10-12).
You need to move from religion to reality. You need to move from just praying to getting God (2 Corinthians 3:18). Fasting is not an end in itself. It is only a means to an end. What changes us and our situations is not 21 days fast. It is the encounters we have with God. Fasting provides us an opportunity to tame our flesh and give room for the Holy Spirit in our lives (1 Corinthians 9:27, Galatians 5:16). Fasting without paying attention to spiritual things is a mere hunger strike.
Bring God back to the centre of your life and activities (Matthew 6:33). Do your quiet time, not just to feel good and spiritual, but to get God. Don’t attend church to fulfil all righteousness. Attend church to get God and make progress with Him. Like the sons of sceva, don’t just have a form of godliness while denying the power thereof (Acts 19:11-17, 2 Timothy 3:5).
By the way, be careful of any supposed prophecy that leaves you confused. New testament prophecies should bring edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). God does not speak to instil fear in us. He does not speak to leave us hopeless or stranded. Don’t let any prophecy put you under pressure or bondage. Jesus has set you free (Galatians 5:1). Stay in that freedom!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria