It's A Heart Issue – A Fasting Devotional

From: Jim Simantirakis

When looking at times that we lean and focus on the Lord, especially in times of prayer and fasting, we can experience a heightened level of self-exposure and surrender to God.  With this in mind, let us consider Matthew 4:4 where Jesus states that ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’

This verse is not only a verse that comes to mind when fasting, but it is a reminder of the importance on “Living” off the word of the Lord.  When we live off the Word of the Lord, we become like Him, we behave like Him, we sound like Him, and we love like Him!  This is not only for our benefit, (to break the chains in our lives), but also for the ultimate purpose of expanding the Kingdom of God.  Let me encourage you today that a purposeful and intense focus on the word of God during this time of praying and fasting can and will have eternal ramifications.  It will bring life to your current situation(s) and to those in your sphere of influence, because that’s what the word of God does, it brings life!

Let us now revisit the aspects of self-exposure and surrender to God.  The benefits mentioned that we strive for in fasting and praying can come through these methods.  They are not always the most pleasant, but through the cost, there is a reward.  If we expect God’s provisions, guidance, and life giving word, we can be honest with him in our condition(s).  He already knows your hurts, aspirations, reserves, and thoughts, so let that act as a comfort to give him all the areas of your heart.  Areas that you might already know.  Areas that you don’t know.  Areas that can be brought to the Lord in a sacrificial manner.  Give it all to him in full surrender during this time, and you will get all of God in return!  The level of God’s presence in our lives is in correlation with our level of surrender.  Let us take the example of the effort given by the woman in Mark 12:44.  ‘For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’

Again, let me encourage you that whatever your circumstances are, give Him everything in this season.  It’s an issue of the heart, and always has been, and always will be.  God knows our hearts.  Let us give Him access to the part of us that has transformative qualities for our sakes and those around us.   To God’s Glory!