”After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matthew 4:2New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 4:2 Devotional
Fasting
Jesus fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2). Therefore, you too can stay without food for 40 days. And you can also stay without water for 7 days.
During this time, you will be starving the body in order to feed your spirit by spending a lot of time in the presence of God. Therefore, your spirit man will be strengthened.
Consequently, there are two types of fasting that you can engage in as we begin the year 2022. And it is good to be guided by a fasting plan/schedule.
Dry fast
In this fast, you do not take any solid food but only fluids, mainly water and fresh juice or tea. It is advisable to engage in this fast when you are in a secluded or isolated place. This will help you to conserve energy.
Partial fast
This type of fast begins at 6 am and runs till 6 pm. Between these hours, you are encouraged to take water only. This is good for people who are working full-time.
Daniel fast
There is also a third type, known as the Daniel fast. In this fast, you take only vegetables. There is no meat or oily food consumed.
This fast can be engaged in for many days. It’s believed that all the years’ Daniel was in Babylon he was always fasting thus surviving on vegetables only.
Fasting
As you begin fasting today, take time to ask God to grant you the grace to fast for at least 21 days. However, fasting for 7 days, 14 days, 28 days or 40 days is still worthwhile.
Notice what the text reveals, Jesus became hungry at the end of His fasting. Therefore, fasting is all about denying yourself food. Not social media or television.
NB/ Nursing mothers, anyone on medication, and children below 7 years should not fast.
Temptation
In addition, Matthew chapter 4 verse 3 tells us that the “tempter came to Him and told Him to turn stones into loaves of bread”. But in verse 4, Jesus responded that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word of God”.
Therefore, you will be tempted in your area of weakness. For God will allow you to be tempted in your area of weakness. Remember, Matthew chapter 4 verse 1 says that “the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted”.
Consequently, if you are weak, say in the area of anger, then that is where the devil will tempt you. So you need to be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8) and remember that God’s grace manifests in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). And you will overcome the temptation because God will enable you to (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, please grant me the grace to fast for 21 days. I pray this is Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Mark 8-9 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
