2020 Fast - Words of Encouragement

Greetings and salutations! If you are reading these words, you need to know God has a blessing in store for you already. Your faithfulness to your decision to fast and pray will unlock favor you have not even imagined. I am excited for you in advance!
What is fasting?
If you are new to fasting, the first fact you should know is Biblical fasting is not a “diet”. I encourage you to refrain from using the word “diet” when describing the type of fast you have chosen for this journey. Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose which will bring us into a deeper and intimate relationship with God. 
Why should you fast?
When I did my first fast, I read a book simply titled Fasting by Jentezen Franklin (click the link to purchase from Amazon). It was very helpful for me on my journey. Within the aforementioned book, Pastor Franklin advises that there are three duties of every Christian: giving; praying; fasting. Over the next 21 days, we will fast and pray together while offering encouragement to one another. 
To further this point of fasting being our Christian duty, Jesus comes through in Matthew 6:16-18 with a word:
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Let’s focus on the first clause of verse 16: When you fast. Then, focus on the first word: When. The simple word “when” indicates an expectation for something to occur. Basically, Jesus is telling us fasting is something we should be doing. Flat out. 
Recommendations
During your fast, prayer will be key! You will have cravings and desires early and frequently. When the cravings strike… PRAY! When temptations are afoot… PRAY! When all you can think about is what you are missing out on… PRAY! Drink plenty of water and create a good praise & worship playlist. I also encourage you to journal your experience. I am a huge fan of journaling, in general. Even if you do not journal every day, that is okay. The point is to document your fasting journey, notable moments and breakthroughs. I highly suggest journaling on our first day of fasting. Taking cues from Pastor Franklin, here are suggestions on what to include in your first journal entry:

1. Dates for your fast (example: January 2, 2020 - January 22, 2020)
   
2. What are you fasting from (examples: bread, soda, social media)
   
3. What are you praying for during your fast (examples: health, finances, relationships)
   

Prayer
Father, I thank You for the soul reading this message. I pray You will bless my brother/sister with the desires of his/her heart. Please endow us with the discipline to stay the course and remain focused on and remain obedient to Your word. Give us more of You, oh Lord! Help our flesh to decrease and the Holy Spirit within us to increase. I ask these and other blessings in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen. 

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La'Kendra D. Garrison

Believer | Communicator | Leader