Be encouraged! You have passed through a wilderness which I’m sure has seen some great spiritual highs, but probably deeper valleys and dark moments. Isn’t that what the wilderness is about? But even a glimpse of heaven, or a phrase from God’s voice, or a quickened verse from the Bible will ruin you for everything else. I’ve experienced some dark days in this fast, but rarely have I heard His voice so clear. Some may say, “It was a dry and difficult experience,” but I remind you what Derek Prince said, “Every fast done in faith will be rewarded by God.” Friend, look to the reward. I am reaping the fruit of extended fasts I did 30 years ago.
The Gospel writer Matthew describes the end of Jesus fast and the beginning of His ministry. I want you to see this fast as the beginning of a new era of your life. Don’t just look back and say, “I accomplished a fast,” rather say, “I have begun the ministry.” As we approach the end of this fast, let us follow Jesus’ own story.
“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’” – Matthew 4:2-3
Dear ones, first of all, please beware of the tempter’s intrusion at the end of this fast. Usually Satan finds an opportune time after a great victory. Secondly, during the fast the temptation was to eat bread, now the temptation after the fast will be to eat too much bread. Don’t be a binge faster and lose the cutting edge of the spiritual alertness that attended you during this fast. Those carnal lusts will leap upon you like a thief in the night. Be self-controlled, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone Satan! For it is written…’” – Matthew 4:10
As we reach the 40th day of the fast tomorrow, let thousands declare the written word of God, “Satan be gone!” over their own addictions, insurmountable mountains over their lives and families, and obstacles of finance and future plans. Loose that word of faith. Declare it out loud all day long. “Satan be gone!” Dare to believe for a great deliverance.
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” – Matthew 4:10
Turn this day, and the days and months following, into a focused habit of praise and worship. Determine to turn your back on the idolatrous flesh hooks that held you in captivity before, saying, “I will worship the Lord my God, and Him only will I worship.” Determine to be a singer of His praise into these glorious new days.
“Then the Devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” – Matthew 4:11
On this day, open yourself to the divine swirl of the angelic activity moving around you. I have found at times at the end of fasts, an overwhelming ecstasy, partly because I can eat, but mostly because I can feel the nearness of Heaven. Look for divine appointments, let your heart swell to the Spirit of God pulsing within you. Jesus came out of the fast in the power of the Spirit.
“He withdrew into Galilee… so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled.” – Matthew 4:12,14
Step out into the new place and into the new direction God has called you to during this fast. Fulfill the prophecy which was written in the book God authored about you before you were born.
“From that time Jesus began to preach.” – Matthew 4:17
Preach! Do the work of an evangelist. Declare your life message. Come out of the caves of insecurity and let loose your light to shine on those who dwell in the shadow of death.
