A Time of Fast

WE here at Springfield have been called into a time of fasting and pray by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This fast comes at a time when much is taking place throughout our world, our country, our state, our churches and most definitely, our homes. What we are witnessing is a time of "assault" by the enemy of God and His people (Satan). Yet there are also the judgements and warnings of God at work. Satan is on the attack to steal, kill and destroy all that is holy and righteous. God on the other hand is moving to remind us all that He is the one in charge of all things and that He wants each of us to turn to Him in sincerely and faith, to live our lives as it pleases Him. Therefore, in an effort to fight off the attacks of Satan and to refocus ourselves in true commitment and devotion to God, we turn to fasting and pray. For Jesus tells us that there are somethings that will come to pass only through prayer and fasting (Matt. 17:21). This is certainly one of those times.
In our effort of fasting we are to remember that fasting is more than just a refraining from food. It also involves, even more importantly, our our drawing closer and nearer to God. There is a need to seek God out through prayer and through His word. This time of fasting must be about strengthening our walk with God and seeking His guidance and direction for our lives. There must be purpose to our fast and that purpose for this time is SPIRITUAL WARFARE. We are warring against the attacks of the enemy. All that each of us are going through now is the result of spiritual warring. The only solution to it is to turn to God and seek His way and will concerning us. No other way is available for us in this hour other than that which is directed by God.
We ask you to commit yourselves to this week of fasting and praying in the following ways:
First determine the kind of fast you will follow. We have mentioned three possible ones: a partial fast; a normal fast and a absolute fast. We do not recommend an absolute fast to any that have not fasted before, as it requires abstaining from both food and liquid for a set amount of time. The normal fast can be followed which is to abstain from solid food but intake liquids such as juice and water. The partial fast is the fast that most should follow. It allows for the abstaining of some foods and not necessarily all food as well as possible set times and meals to be determined. We are asking those that will follow this fast to remove meat (including fish) and sodas from your diet. If you do not eat meat, substitute all sweets in its place. With the partial fast we ask that you commit to one particular way. Determine how you are going to set up your partial fast and stick to it. DO NOT CHANGE IT day to day.
Next, search within yourself to know what it is that you need God to do in your live. Seek God for your answer to whatever is warring against you, your family or others in your life. Whether it is health, relationship, financial, mind, body or soul, take it before the Lord and let Him direct you. By faith, trust Him to guide you in the right way.
Lastly, be confident that God will accomplish for you what you seek Him to do. Know that God will not turn from you if you are sincere in your approach to Him. He will answer. Once He does, do not doubt, but trust and obey His will and direction.

Scriptures that reference fasting are plentiful, here are some for your consideration;
I Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18; Daniel 9:3, 20; Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:8; Nehemiah 1:4; Isaiah 58:6-8; Matthew 6:16-18.
Scriptures that encourage us at this time:
Afraid\Fearful - Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 54:17; St. John 14:27; Psalm 112:7-8; Psalm 23:4-5; Psalm 27:1-3; Psalm 91:4-7, 10
Discouraged - II Corinthians 12:9; II Corinthians 4:16-17; II Thessalonians 2:16-17; Philippians 4:13;
Health\Healing - III John 1:2; James 5:14-16; Proverbs 4:2-22
Determination - II Thessalonians 3:13; Colossians 3:2; Ephesians 6:13; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:35-36
Strength - II Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 1:10-12; Ephesians 3:16-17;Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 18:2
Doubt - Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 10:23; Psalm 116:13; Psalm 12:6; Romans 10:17; Galatians 6:9; Jude 1:24-25.
There are many many more scriptures that can direct and guide and instruct you in this time. Let God's Spirit guide you through His word. God has a special message just for you.

We will be victorious in this time of time because our God is unfailing in all His ways toward us.