Fasting For Those Who Are In Peril

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

Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Did you know that you can use a fast to stand in the gap for those who are being ill-treated?

There was a time in the Old Testament, when King Saul sought to kill David. Saul’s son, Jonathon was David’s best friend and when he became aware of his father’s desire to do David in, Jonathon fasted. The Bible says that “Jonathon arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.” (1 Samuel 20:34)

We don’t know how God responded to this fast, we do know that David survived all of Saul’s attempts to kill him. Perhaps you know of someone who is being unfairly singled out for harsh treatment, maybe even to the point where their life is in danger.

I think about those times when missionaries or others find themselves in hostage situations. There is often a sense of helplessness on our part as we are so far removed from the situation, but here we have Jonathon’s example to follow, we can fast. We can use our time of fasting to call on our heavenly Father who is not far removed from any situation, and trust Him for the results.

Many churches will be observing a day of prayer this Sunday on behalf of the persecuted church. Brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are suffering greatly for their faith. Can we not be like Jonathon for them and arise from the table, and spend some time grieving over their shameful treatment?

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