Do you ever wander what happened to your passion? Do you wish you could reclaim that passion you had the day Jesus reached down from heaven’s throne and deposited life into your bankrupt soul? Are you that Christian that has simply become cynical over years of hurt, letdowns, and loss?
It may be time to fast! Though I will not elaborate on the principles involved in a fast in this blog(whether alone or corporately), let me first admit that I have not always “believed” in fasting. When I went to Bible college and then to Seminary, I was instructed by some great Theological minds. But one man in particular stands out (he will remain nameless). This gentleman was actually a student of the great Theologian, Dr. Charles Ryrie! So, needless to say, this professor “had me a good morning class”! The issue of fasting came up and he proceeded to explain that “God was not impressed by one’s fasting” and that “fasting was something of old, done in accordance with the sacrificial system” where one would “show” his/her obedience to the Lord. But today, fasting was simply unnecessary.
For me, it was a breath of fresh air, since the thought of depriving myself of food or other “essentials” did not excite me. But there was a problem. While finishing my graduate work in Seminary, and quickly approaching finals, while simultaneously preparing for RUSH Weekend, the biggest weekend in my ministry, I lost my passion. Here I was physically worn out, mentally overwhelmed, and spiritually drained to a point of becoming passionless…what was I to do? After all, I would be leading the RUSH Weekend conference and speaking in the final session…literally hundreds of souls hung in the balance. So I cried out to God…
In the short of it, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to fast. Surely this can’t be! Does HE not know what I’m up against? I will need rest, plenty of nutrition, etc., to be on my “A-Game”! I pressed on in prayer…maybe HE was speaking to someone else, and I (being so sensitive to HIS voice) overheard his or her conversation!? HE said it again…”I want you to fast, get in my word, and pray!” No more guidance, just fast! I must admit, I was still reluctant, but despite my doubt, I committed to a fast!
Without going line-by-line of the intricacies of the actual fast, I must say I heard God; I saw God; I felt God; And I became hypersensitive to HIS direction. In fact, God spoke to me in prayer one night and cleared up what the professor had spoken into my life. God told me that the professor was right…my fasting did not impress HIM one iota! BUT… by fasting, depriving myself of day-to-day essentials like food, a part of me decreased, so that HE could increase in me. The result of which was a sweeter anointing, a more sensitive spirit, a clearer vision, a more focused mind, and perhaps most of all, more of HIM in me! The fast was not to impress God, but rather to sharpen my passion! Needless to say, I passed my finals with all “A’s” and had an amazing RUSH Weekend! To God be the glory!
You see, God took a passionless pastor and rekindle a lively hope with me. And the funny thing is, if I never fasted since (which I have and do as often as God leads), I would still retain the passion and the life lesson from that day nearly four years ago!
As a child of God, your passion is incredibly important! Your passion or lack of it, is what others see in you. I you lack passion, non-Christians will wonder why they should desire God in their life…after all, you are no different that they. BUT, if you have passion, it becomes a beacon of hope; a magnet of sorts, drawing people to the cross; a catalyst by which others come to know the person behind your passion, Jesus Christ!
Will you join me and others around the world on January 8-28, 2012 for a corporate fast, as we pray for passion back in our churches, our government, our pastors, our marriages, and specifically in our lives! Stay tuned for more details...
Passionately Yours!
Marc
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