Episode 3, The 84-Year Fast, Empowered Through Fasting Series - a podcast by Stephanie Wright

Anna was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 2:37. Hello and welcome to Episode 3, in our “Empowered Through Fasting” series. When is the best time to fast? That’s our topic this week. We will also share one or two personal experiences on fasting. We encourage you to email us with your personal testimonies on fasting. We will give details on how to contact us at the end of this presentation. My name is Stephanie Wright. Let’s talk about empowerment through fasting and prayer.

 Before we get started, if you have not already listened to Episode 1, in this series, “Nothing is Impossible with God,” please do so. It provides scriptures, some basic foundational principles, contemporary examples of fasting with prayer, and caveats on how to fast.

 Last week, we discussed why we fast. This week, we will discuss when we should fast. I opened this episode with a scripture about Anna, one of my favorite Bible heroes. Anna was a prophetess who dedicated most of her life to service in the temple while waiting to see the baby Jesus. What is significant about this woman for today’s presentation is that she fasted and prayed for the majority of her adult life. Most interpretations of the scripture believe she fasted and prayed for 84 years after she became a widow. Luke 2:37?38.

 So, when should we fast? Anytime is a good time to fast but the best time is when the Holy Spirit leads you or compels to fast. Let’s reflect once more on how the Holy Spirit compelled Jesus to fast. He is our stellar example on fasting because He was obedient to the Spirit and fasted 40 days and nights then came out of that fast with power to accomplish the work He was called to do. Mark 1:12­?13; 15?45.

 Another example of someone who fasted under the direction of the Holy Spirit is the Apostle Paul. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:27, that he was in “fasting” often. Paul indeed needed to be fasting often because he suffered through many test and trials. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, on dangerous journeys, threatened by robbers, threatened by his own fellow countrymen, suffered hunger thirst, cold, nakedness and he finished the list by saying “he had the care of all the churches.” The last one was probably more challenging than any of the other things he went through. 2 Corinthians 11:24?28.

 So, for Paul, fasting was probably anytime and almost all the time. But that is what fasting will do. It helps you through difficult times or as Paul said, “perilous” times. I cannot explain the strength that comes from fasting. It is something you have to experience for yourself. Fasting encourages you when you should be discouraged; fasting gives you hope when you should feel hopeless; and when you want to give up and “throw in the towel” fasting gives you strength to go one more round in the fight and finish the fight. 

So, anytime is a good time to fast but what is most important is to listen, hear, and obey the direction of the Holy Spirit in fasting.

 Now, please listen as Apostle Charles gives details on how to contact us. And please send an email to cgmpresents@gmail.com with your accounts of how fasting has helped you. God bless.

Further episodes of CGM Presents: In the Word Podcast

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