Fasting

Every Assignment Has a Birthplace

I love the statement Jesus made in John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice” (emphasis added). That is how He created us. He speaks to us, and we are able to hear Him speaking. Do you want to hear the voice of the Creator? Do you want to know Jesus more deeply? Do you want to know the direction He desires you to take in life? I do. As I was completing this book, I was beginning my seventh full twenty-one-day fast since entering the ministry.

I began my first one when I was just seventeen years old. My parents were always godly examples when I was growing up, so even at that young age, I was becoming aware that fasting was a part of being a true follower of Christ. If you are a parent reading this book, I want you to know that even children can begin to understand these concepts, and it is important that they learn them at a young age.

Prior to that first twenty-one day fast at the age of seventeen, I had completed shorter ones. In fact, it was during a three-day fast that God revealed His assignment for my life. I was praying and seeking Hiss will. That is when he called me to preach. Every assignment, every call of God, every direction from Him starts somewhere. God has specific assignments for your life. But how do you discover them? How will you hear his voice? How will you know His will for your life, His plans for you? Whom should you marry? Where should you live? What job should you take? What mission field is calling your name?

The answer can be found in the appeal Paul made to the Romans: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service: (Rom. 12:1) Remember the three Christian duties of giving, praying, and fasting. That is how you “present” your body to God as a “living” sacrifice. Fasting keeps you sensitive to His spirit, enabling you to live holy. Paul went on to say, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (v. 2, emphasis added).

I am convinced that we will never walk in the perfect will of God until we seek Him through fasting. When you present your body in this manner, you open yourself up to hear from God. You will prove or discover his good and perfect will for your life. Paul was fasting when God called him and shared the assignment for his life (Acts 9:7-9). Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new revelation and called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 100. Fasting prepares the way for God to give you fresh revelation, fresh vision, and clear purpose.

Fasting is a tremendous weapon and the source of power in the life of a believer. The blessings in my life are directly attributed to the fasting in my life. I am not the greatest preacher; I don’t have the brilliant mind that some have, but God said He is no respecter of persons. When you honor and worship God by presenting your body as a living sacrifice through fasting, you too will know His assignments for your life.