Fasting For Direction

# 269 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”

Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. There are times and situations that arise in our lives when we just don’t know what to do. We need guidance and we don’t know where to turn. Such was the case for Ezra.

He was looking for a safe route to return to Jerusalem for he and his family. What did he do? “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.” (Ezra 8:21) In verse 23 he said, “and God answered our prayer.”

Maybe you’re faced with a decision regarding the welfare of your family. Perhaps it’s a move or a job change. You’ve looked at the pluses and the minuses of the situation, but you’re still not sure what to do. Have you tried fasting? Have you tried what Ezra tried? Have you humbled yourself before the Lord and waited for His peace in the matter?

You may not get your answer as quickly as Ezra, but it will come. God knew the right way for Ezra and He knows the right way for you, and He is far more concerned about the welfare of you and your family than you are.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.