Fasting Day 1

Why would we fast before the Mission Trip?

The idea first came to my mind, because we see that Jesus says that there are things that can only be done through fasting and prayer in Mark 9.

The Power of Faith over a Demon
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them. 15 All of a sudden, when the whole crowd saw Him, they were amazed[b] and ran to greet Him. 16 Then He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?” 17 Out of the crowd, one man answered Him, “Teacher, I brought my son to You. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

19 He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 So they brought him to Him. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately convulsed the boy. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father. “From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Then Jesus said to him, “‘If You can’?[c][d] Everything is possible to the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly coming together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit,[e] I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” 26 Then it came out, shrieking and convulsing him[f] violently. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. 28 After He went into a house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 And He told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”[g]

b. Mark 9:15 Or surprised
c. Mark 9:23 Other mss add believe
d. Mark 9:23 Jesus appears to quote the father’s words in v. 22 and then comment on them.
e. Mark 9:25 A spirit that caused the boy to be deaf and unable to speak
f. Mark 9:26 Other mss omit him
g. Mark 9:29 Other mss omit fasting

Now I am not saying that we are going to come in contact with demons, but I dare not say that we won’t either. I am more so recognizing that I believe there is a spiritual focus that is obtained through purposeful prayer and fasting. Call it “fine tuning” to be able to hear the voice of God more clearly, not because He rewards our works by speaking louder, but simply because when we eliminate distractions and noise from our lives, we can hear that still small whisper. When we have gone on Mission Trips in the past, one of the biggest things I attribute to the increased level and manifestation of the gifts of the spirit is the focus that we are giving to God. When we get to Mexico, you won’t have your phone, you won’t have a to-do list, you aren’t going to be trying to make it home to see the next episode of your favorite show- you are just there to serve God with every second of your day. You start to fine tune yourself right as you leave the US. My hope is that through fasting and prayer now, we may be able to begin that focus early, so we may open ourselves up to even greater things that the Spirit of the Living God may do through us.

The second big thing I notice in this passage that has always stuck with me is what the man speaks to Jesus after his doubt is recognized- "I do believe, help my unbelief." For us going on the mission trip- what are you doubting? Do you think you put limits on what God can do in any way, shape or form? Maybe it is not on the trip, but you doubt God in some other way. Sometimes, I struggle with this doubt. Maybe you have a wayward relative that you think will never come to the Lord. Maybe you have given up hope in some other way. Maybe you need to pray for God to inject some of that supernatural faith back into your life. Ask and he will answer. That is what this week in fasting is all about is seeking after God with your whole heart.

Jeremiah 29:13 says "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." So whatever you decided to give up this week, whether it be food, tv, music, the internet, or all of the above, spend that extra time in prayer, focusing on God, focusing on His Word, the saving sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Spend the time imagining all the things you might see God do (all for His glory), and prepare your heart for your expectations to be blown out of the water! If you are doubtful, don’t be afraid to pray for Jesus to help your unbelief like the father of the demon possessed boy did. Spend the time repenting of any sin, as to not give the devil a foothold in your life. Pray for the physical and spiritual health of the group, as there will undoubtedly be attacks on our group during this time.

Father God- as we partake in fasting and prayer this week, we do so in order to focus more intently on You. We recognize that without you we are powerless and this trip would be meaningless- our lives would be meaningless- but we do not go out on our own! We go out with the safety, protection, and power of Your Holy Spirit. Lord we thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus conquering death, paying the price for our sin, and tearing the veil to allow Your Spirit to dwell inside of us. We thank You for the opportunity to serve You by going to Mexico, for the opportunity to serve you wherever we are at, and we give all the praise and glory to You for the amazing things we will see You do through us on this trip, and long after we get back. In Jesus’ name- AMEN