Ezra 8:23 – So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Fasting is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible. But for many, it is not something they understand and is not a behavior that they engage in. I didn’t do my first fast until this year. I have gone my entire life without fasting because I simply did not understand it. I knew the Bible spoke of fasting, and often read passages like today’s verse, but never put the process into action myself. It took me hearing a message from our pastor that spoke of Jesus saying WHEN we fast, not IF (Matthew 6:16). Fasting is a Biblical discipline.
Fasting is typically done with food. There are different types of fasts, lengths, durations, etc. However long your fast is, whatever type you are wishing to do, the process is the same. You abstain from something and in its place you pray and seek God.
Today’s verse reminds us that when we fast and present our requests to God, He will answer. As we’ve said before, His answer may not be what we are wanting specifically, but He is faithful and WILL answer.
Ezra wrote these words when the Israelites were returning from exile. He realized and recognized their need for God’s guidance as they traveled. Because of this, he called for a fast with his fellow Israelites. Collectively, they all fasted and prayed, uniting once more as a nation through prayer. And God answered their prayers. He heard His people and rewarded their dedication and humble prayers.
A final thought… We should regularly fast and pray, just as Israel did as they returned from exile. We should humble ourselves and seek His will through sacrifice and prayer. But we also must realize that fasting is not a means of manipulating God to get our way. Rather, it is us demonstrating our faithfulness in seeking His will, not our own.
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