Patrick Jansen van Rensburg
The Impact of Fasting
The Story of Ahab
Ahab was one of Israel’s most evil king.
Elijah gave the following message to Ahab.
1 Kings 21:22 -25 (NLT) I am going to destroy your for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin.’ 23 “And regarding Jezebel, the Lord says, ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel. 24 “The members of Ahab’s family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures.” 25 (No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.
When Ahab received this message, he humbled himself and fasted.
1 Kings 21:27-29 (NLT) “But when Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep mourning. 28 Then another message from the Lord came to Elijah: 29 “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has done this, I will not do what I promised during his lifetime. It will happen to his sons; I will destroy his dynasty.”
If God could do this for a wicked king just think what God can do for you when you fast.
The Story of Nineveh.
Jonah gave this message to Nineveh.
Jonah 3:4 (NLT) “On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!”
When the King of Nineveh heard this, the king called humbled himself and fasted.
Jonah 3:6-8 (NLT) “When the king of Nineveh heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in burlap and sat on a heap of ashes. 7 Then the king and his nobles sent this decree throughout the city: “No one, not even the animals from your herds and flocks, may eat or drink anything at all. 8 People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence.
God changed his mind.
Jonah 3:10 (NLT) “When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.”
A sinful king hears the word of God, he repents and fast, and God changes His mind. If God can do it for a sinful king, what will God do for you, a child of God, who humbles themselves, pray and fast.
What will happen if Children of God call on God with fasting and prayer?
Hearing from God
Acts 13:2-3 (NLT) “One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Through fasting we seek God’s plan. Not our own plans. To hear from God. The 1st time the fasted to obtain God’s plan, once the receive the plan the fasted again, for God’s plan to succeed.
How do you find God’s mind, through prayer and fasting.
Fasting creates hope for a Nation.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
7 steps in this verse. 4 steps that we need to take and 3 that God will take if we take these steps.
4 Steps we need to take: Humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn form our wicked ways. You say I do not have wicked ways. Wait until you come in the presence of the Lord.
Then
3 Steps God will take: Hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land.
5. For Revival Turn to God
Joel 2:12 (NKJV) “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
Joel 2:28 (NKJV) “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.
