There Are Times When We Must Declare War
I realized that the devil was here again and attacking our future. It was the week that the government took over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and Lehman Brothers went bankrupt. In that week, we lost a third of our savings, and I knew it was time to declare war anew.
I had taught and ministered to the tutus that Friday morning at our L.E.A.D. center and as they left the meeting, I knew that I was being challenged again. This time I went out into the parking lot, and quietly but firmly told the enemy of our souls that he would not steal my future, that we were at war, and that I would triumph. I took out my weapon which was an Isaiah 58 fast and with driven purpose, I did not eat for 26 days. As the fast began I asked the Lord how long I should go, and I felt him say to stop when I reached a certain weight. It took 26 days to reach that number.
This fast was different than the first. I was experienced this time; I had seen God change my life dramatically the first time I had done this. I was resolute, determined and expectant. I wanted to see a repeat of the wonders that I had experienced after the first fast, and I was not to be deterred. I didn’t feel a temptation to nosh even just a little bit; I was full force ahead with my head down for 26 days.
I am close to a fellow that does not know the Lord; we share some common interests, and he learned that I was on this fast. He could not see how my refusing to eat for a prolonged period could possibly add to the situations I was experiencing. I read him Isaiah 58, 2 Corinthians 10 and other related scriptures, but he remains a skeptic.
And so far, nothing has happened that could change his mind, but I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.
The Bible College course on the Holy Spirit that I teach was in session during the fast and only one of my 14 students had ever fasted before. They too watched and wondered. Now I wait to see the hand of the one to whom we owe all work on my behalf. Isaiah 64 says that our God is the only God that works for them who wait on Him.
Fasting is our weapon to overcome the devil, to turn our morning into dancing, to make His Shalom reality. Shalom is that wonderful state of affairs where everything flourishes, is wholesome and filled with delight. God intends that we live in that state, his kingdom where Shalom is common place. I invite you to declare war; there are times when you can do nothing but fight to protect and preserve that which is yours.
PR
Category: Living the Faith, Winter 2010
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