Fast, Pray, Trust
Fast, Pray, Trust
Fasting, praying, and trusting are foundational practices in the Christian faith, each rooted deeply in Scripture throughout both the Old and New Testaments. They form a triad of spiritual disciplines that draw believers closer to God, align their hearts with His will, and cultivate unwavering faith.
Fasting: A Sacrifice of Self
Biblical fasting is the act of abstaining from food and drink, and to withdraw from any sin in your life and pursue complete obedience to God, this demonstrates humility before God. To forego any other comforts in life is to abstain, which is a good thing, but different from fasting. Throughout Scripture, fasting is often coupled with prayer, symbolizing dependence on God and a desire for His intervention.
- Old Testament Examples:
- In Exodus 34:28, Moses fasted for 40 days and nights while receiving the Ten Commandments, underscoring the seriousness of his divine assignment.
- The people of Nineveh fasted and repented in Jonah 3:5-10, prompting God to relent from His judgment.
- New Testament Guidance:
- Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). His example highlights fasting as preparation for spiritual challenges.
- In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus instructs believers to fast in secret, emphasizing sincerity over outward appearances.
Fasting amplifies prayer and fosters a deeper spiritual connection by creating space to focus on God’s presence and purpose.
Praying: Communing with God
Prayer is the lifeline of a believer’s relationship with God. It is through prayer that we communicate our needs, confess our sins, and align our desires with God’s will.
- Biblical Models of Prayer:
- Jesus provided the ultimate template for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, known as the Lord’s Prayer. This model emphasizes worship, submission, petition, and forgiveness.
- The Psalms, written by David and others, are filled with heartfelt prayers of praise, lament, and thanksgiving.
- Power of Persistent Prayer:
- Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 encourages believers not to lose heart in prayer.
- The early church’s prayers, as seen in Acts 12:5, led to Peter’s miraculous release from prison.
Through prayer, believers tap into God’s power, wisdom, and peace, making it an essential practice for spiritual growth and perseverance.
Trusting: A Foundation of Faith
Trusting in God is the bedrock of the Christian life. It involves unwavering confidence in His character, promises, and sovereignty, even in the face of uncertainty or hardship. Trust moves beyond mere belief and into surrender of one’s will and life.
- Examples of Trust in Scripture:
- Abraham’s faith in God’s promise led him to leave his homeland and later to prepare to sacrifice Isaac, believing God would provide (Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 22:8).
- The Apostle Paul’s letters, such as Romans 8:28, affirm that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
- Practical Trust in Daily Life:
- Trusting God means relinquishing control and resting in His plans, as instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- It also involves gratitude and patience, recognizing God’s timing is perfect.
These practices are deeply intertwined. Fasting sharpens spiritual focus, prayer strengthens communication with God, and trust sustains believers through life’s challenges. Together, they foster a life fully surrendered to God.
By embracing these practices, a Christian can experience God’s presence more profoundly and witness His transformative power in their lives.
I look forward to continuing this discussion with you this Sunday as we open our 3-week time of fasting.
Peace,
Nathan Bentley