Text: Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 4:1-4, Acts 13:1-3, Ezra 8:21-23
Do you remember the story of the four guys who dropped their paralytic friend through a roof in order to be healed by Jesus? (It’s not a part of our reading for today, but you’ll find their story in Mark 2:1-12.)
This very hopeless man was at Point A, and Jesus—the man they’d heard was healing many—was at Point B. Things would have stayed this way had his friends not interceded. They carried him across town and knocked on the door of the home where they knew Jesus was teaching.
It turns out, they weren’t the only ones with this big idea. The Bible says the home was so full of people eager to hear Jesus’ message, even the doorway was blocked (v. 2). Their intercession mission might have been short-lived had it not been for the persistence of these four friends. They did whatever they could to get their sick friend to Jesus—even if that meant carrying him to the roof of the house and cutting a hole through the branches and dried clay above where Jesus was teaching.
Jesus forgave the man’s sins right away because, no matter how sick we are, our sin is always more profound. He showed the house full of people that day that He has authority to both forgive sins and heal bodies, and he did both for the paralytic whose friends carried him to Jesus.
This is intercession. It’s working and sweating and not stopping—forsaking all worldly sensibilities because people need Jesus.
The Bible is filled with accounts of men and women fasting as a means of earnest intercession. Sometimes they intercede before long journeys, like Ezra did before Israel’s return trip to Jerusalem from exile (Ezra 8:21-23), or as the early church did before sending men out on missionary journeys (Acts 13:1-3). Other times, the intercession was in the midst of trouble, like when Nehemiah heard of the destruction occurring to the place and people of his hometown. He tore his clothes and fasted and prayed on their 800-miles-away behalf, asking the Lord to help them:
“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven . . . let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants . . . ”
-Nehemiah 1:4-6
Fasting is a tangible way we can declare our utter dependence on the Lord. It can also be a way we lay others at the feet of Jesus.
When I think about the men who pursued Jesus tirelessly on behalf of their friend, and Nehemiah who petitioned and fasted and repented before the Lord on behalf of his people, I remember that however compassionate those men were, God’s compassion is greater still. Because I serve a God of compassion who answers the persistent petitions of His people (Nehemiah 2:1-9) I can approach the throne just as boldly, just as reverently, and with the same persistence, and be heard by the Almighty God upon whom no prayers are wasted.
We fast because our need is great and our God is greater. We fast in reverence of this truth. In fasting, we are saying to God, “Our spiritual need is greater than our physical discomfort and the supply for both comes from You alone.”
We fast because He listens.
Let’s lower the physical and spiritual needs of others on a mat before Jesus, trusting and remembering that He has all authority in heaven and on earth, to heal our bodies and forgive our sins.
As an intercession Joanna, I am holding you up before the King of all kings who can and will and is fighting for you, for your mom.
Up before
“Fasting is a tangible way we can declare our utter dependence on the Lord.” YES! Fasting is not my effort to ‘encourage(!)’ God to bring about my desired result. Fasting is acknowledging God’s sovereignty over my circumstance. It is my laying it all down, come what may, “Thy will be done.” Fasting focuses me on depending on Him and Him alone. It removes distractions and gives me laser-like attention on God’s care, compassion and faithfulness. With fasting, I can say “Yes, Lord. I trust You. You’ve got this covered. Thank You.”
Thanks for this church mouse (fab name!).
Sisters, I plead for your prayers this morning. My mom, 3 year yr cancer survivor, is having new symptoms and has to have an MRI today. Satan is attacking our minds something fierce. I am holding onto the Word with all my heart but a part of me is so tired of fighting what seems like one battle after another. I pray that God give me the strength to cast out this doubt! I cannot fear and pray at the same time. Lord forgive me. I arm myself with your Truth but at times when I am tested I continuously waver. Is this normal? I feel like I am losing.
Oh Joanna, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I will certainly pray for God’s presence to overpower you all and that you can rest in His love. He sees you in the struggle and He cares. He is walking beside you and will not let you go. The strength you seek, He will provide. Your anxiousness only reveals your great love for your mother . Whatever the results of the MRI, God does not waver in His ability to heal. I pray that that cancer has not returned.
Amen….
Joanna, I have a friend going in for tests today as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers as I prayer for her also.
Am praying for your mother and you, praying for God’s strength and healing love to surround you and reassure you.
Praying for peace and quiet heart to hear a still, small voice
Praying for healing, strength and comfort for you and your family. My family is traveling on this road as well and I can relate to your concerns. Take comfort knowing our Savior walks with you. Praying He holds you all tightly today and the days to come.
I am praying for your mom AND for you, friend!
Robin SimpkinsI would like to give thanks to my co-worker who indurtoced me to this 40-day surrender fast. Although I wasn’t as obedient as I had hope I plan to move forward with cycle 1 and pray that my relationship will grow stronger in the Lord and that I will grow into the woman of God that he created me to be. My hope is that I will learn how to dream again and realize the mighty God that I serve without any fear. May God continue to bless everyone who participated in this 40-day Surrender Fast.
Praying for you, Joanna. ❤️
Praying for you :) totally normal to be anxious. He will give you peace
So sorry to hear this, Joanna. I think it is completely normal to feel anxious in this kind of situation. Praying for you and your mom today, that you know God’s peace, and for your mom’s health.
I would love for you to read what I am fasting from in my post “Laying it down for lent” as well as supporting a SRT sister in her brave step of obedience! Y’all encourage me so much every morning and are one of the reasons I stepped out on this new journey! So much love to you all!
https://awordthatmatters.wordpress.com/
Lesley, I just read your blog and wanted to thank you for writing it. You are so right and I am joining you in laying down complaining for Lent. My blessings are blessings and I have treated them as burdens. Thank you for listening to our Lord and sharing these words. Praying for you, sister!
Thank you so much Kathy!!
Lesley – I read your post and its a great encouragement and reminder! I love your heart in wanting to lay everything down before God and ask Him to help you to approach your day with grace and patience rather than to complain about things that, with a change in perspective, can easily be seen as blessings rather burdens. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your encouragement Meg!
I keep thinking that I need to give up something edible, for my fast, but I am going to join you in abstaining from complaining. Thanks for sharing.
Also, the idea that it isn’t just the audible complaining, it’s how those negative thoughts in are getting in the way of my relationship with Him. Great point LesleyRyden.
Loved your blog and could see myself in your words (ouch)! Thank you Jesus for your ever abundant grace. Blessings on you and yours.
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Lesley, I just read your blog also, and LOVED it! You have a gift and you made my day!
Thank you so much Melinda! I appreciate the encouragement!
“Things would have stayed this way had his friends not interceded.” Yes! Too often we forget that God actively works through us. We have a duty to intercede for others, and for playing an active role in the healing and aid of others in the service of God.
Anyone else having trouble with this frequently spontaneously stopping? I’ve rebooted but.. Keeps crashing. Ugh
Hi churchmouse! So sorry you’re having app trouble! I know how frustrating that can be. Email me at [email protected] and let’s see if we can get to the bottom of this!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Curious to see what everyone is fasting from! :)
As I’ve struggled with my 19 yr old daughter, I’ve continually visualized laying her at the foot of the cross. When I feel despair, it helps me to remember who is really in charge of the situation…not me, not my daughter, God ‘s got this. As a single mom, I often cry out to God that this is his child too! Help! I’ve never considered fasting as a way to do that. Today’s reading has me thinking about it though.
I was reading this devotional thinking of my 19 year old brother who is choosing to live a very destructive lifestyle. Your reminder to lay him at the foot of the cross was just the reminder I needed. Sometimes it seems like hope is running out on him, but our God is stronger than all the nastiness and destruction that is swirling around him.
Nancy, I am not much older than 19 myself. It is a hard age; it was probably one of the saddest and most frightening years of my life, and the year I was furthest from God. I was doubtful, stubborn, angry, and felt so isolated! God drew me to Him in spite of it, and my relationship with Him now is stronger for it. I will pray for your daughter as I do for my own younger sister. Have patience with her and God willing, she will be drawn to the love of God of her own desire and reckoning.
Thank you Molly.