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Scripture:
Malachi 3:2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap.
Observation:
In fasting, we draw near to God (James 4:8). It’s when we hear Him knock on the door of our lives and actually let Him in (Revelation 3:20). This invitation is a beautiful but dangerous proposition. He is not tame nor does He cater to our preferences. When we invite Him into our lives, He becomes a disruptive Savior. He does this for the same reason that He cleansed the temple – to stop the enemy from ripping us off and to put our house in order (1 Corinthians 3:16). He will burn, purge, purify, and cleanse us so we can get closer to Him and become more of who He has created us to be.
This is why, when fasting, it seems like all hell is breaking loose. God is not tempting us (James 1:13) but is exposing our weaknesses and flesh so we can deal with them with His help. He does this to purify our hearts and motives so there can be more of Him in us, and less of our flesh, sin, and selfishness. He burns away the trash and washes us clean so that we come out as pure gold (Job 23:10, Revelation 3:18).
Application:
The key is that in fasting, we willingly submit to this exposing, purging, and purifying process. This is why so many refuse to fast – because it is costly, uncomfortable, and painful. It is, however, the key to spiritual authority (Matthew 17:21), maturity, and has eternal significance and impact. Pain today results in gain tomorrow and for eternity.
I encourage you to step into this fast. Make time for prayer and the word. Let God have His way in you. He will not destroy you, but make you to look, act, feel, and think more like Him and more like the person He created you to be.
Prayer:
Jesus, come and have Your way in my life. Create in me a clean heart. Give me clean hands that I may draw near to You and closer to my purpose. Let my life bring You glory. Give me the strength and discipline necessary to endure the flames of Your loving purifying processes in my life. I want to know You more, to get closer to You, and to come out as gold. Amen.
Worship: