Many churches, ministries and individuals make it a custom to take the first few weeks of the new year to get themselves focused on what God is saying or wants to do over the coming 12 months. Many do this by the practice of fasting.

When I was first introduced to fasting, it was in a situation where there was no clear direction for the reasons for the fast and the  main focus was on what we “cut out” rather than whether or not God was actually speaking. It was more about who was the best “faster” than it was about becoming more sensitive to the Spirit’s voice in our lives.

This year, as our pastor; Bishop Tony Miller called our church to fast and pray for the first few weeks of this year, I asked God “Lord, what would you have me do this year?” His response was a surprise to me. I really felt the Lord lay heavily on my heart some things that I was supposed to add to my life for this fast rather than a set list of things that I was to take away from my life. I thought this was strange, but in learning about what fasting means, I discovered that fasting is simply the practice of getting my flesh in a position of greater sensitivity to the heart and voice of God.

You know what? It worked! Of course, there are some things that I decided to “stay away from” but those were just things like some time in front of the television or some food items (probably simply out of tradition),but the things that I felt the Lord wanted me to add to my daily routine have produced far greater results than the things I came up with to leave out of my routine.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this.

Are you or have you been on a fast of any sort this month?

Have you done a traditional fast or has God laid something different on your heart?

What results have you seen? What has God spoken to you about your life, ministry, future, etc. as a result of you being more sensitive to hear his voice?

Ready… GO!