Ezra 8:15-36, Ezra 9:1-15, Revelation 14:1-13, Proverbs 28:18-28
Ezra 8:21-23 (ESV)
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”
In Ezra 8:21–23, the Old Testament scribe Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek the Lord’s direction for a safe journey for himself, his companions, and their possessions. Ezra chose not to ask the king for military protection because he had already testified to Father-God’s power and faithfulness. To request human protection would have contradicted his trust in the Lord. Instead, Ezra and the people humbled themselves through fasting, and God the Father heard their prayers and granted their request.
These verses remind believers of the power of fasting as a way to seek the Lord’s guidance and direction. My church believes in fasting as preparation for significant seasons and decisions. In January, our church will begin a 21-day fast to seek God’s guidance for the new year and to prepare for whatever 2026 may bring. During this fast, participants refrain from eating between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., using mealtimes instead to pray and seek the Lord.
I experienced the impact of fasting firsthand during a 21-day fast my church held from late June to early July. During that time, I asked Father-God to show me His plans for my life. I was prompted to revisit and rewrite a novel I had been editing. Although I finished the manuscript, I struggled to revise it for publication because the story lacked engagement. Through prayer and fasting, I was led to change the novel’s point of view and develop a new outline. While the process is still ongoing, the story has become significantly stronger.
As I continued seeking the Lord’s guidance, the Holy Spirit directed me to explore new AI tools writers are using for developmental editing. Through that exploration, I found ChatGPT, which has greatly strengthened my novel and clarified my direction as a writer. This season of fasting taught me that when we humble ourselves and seek the Lord, He faithfully responds with guidance, clarity, and provision.
Fasting trains the heart to release control, steward desire wisely, and rediscover contentment in trusting Father-God rather than consumption.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel compelled to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who guides us when we fast and seek Him—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life. Being part of a Holy Spirit–led church community has deeply shaped my faith. If you’re searching for a place to grow, worship, and encounter God, you can explore my church and its affiliated campuses here: https://revivaltoday.com/
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