Today we continue our new series entitled, “The Benefits of Prayer and Fasting,” under the banner of the overall series for the year: “Expectation.”
If you read Exodus 32 and 33, you will see how the Lord spent time with Moses on a mountain. He gave him the 10 Commandments and taught Moses His ways. But while He was doing so, the newly freed people created a golden calf. The Lord told Moses about the calf. Moses came down from the mountain with his servant Joshua. They were both appalled at what they saw. Moses was so upset that he broke the tablets containing the 10 Commandments. In the aftermath, Moses was left searching for what to do next.
The Lord indicated to Moses that He would not go with the people. Moses pleaded for God’s presence. He said, “If you don’t go with us, then don’t make us leave this place. Also, how will we know if you are pleased with me and these people? If you go with us, we will know for sure. If you don’t go with us, these people and I will be no different from any other people on the earth.” (Exodus 33:15,16). Moses knew that God’s presence was the only differentiation he and his people had from anyone else on the planet. Without God, they were like everyone else. They needed God! After this plea, Moses asked God to show him His glory. God did. God then told Moses to prepare two more stones so He could recreate the 10 Commandments.
The next day Moses went up to Mount Sinai. This time without Joshua. While Moses was with God he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. During this time, God talked to Moses and taught him His ways. After this the Bible says:
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he carried the two stone tablets of the agreement. Because he had talked with the Lord, his face was shining, but he did not know it. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw that Moses’ face was shining bright. So they were afraid to go near him. But Moses called to them. So Aaron and all the leaders of the people went to him. Moses talked with them. After that all the Israelites came near Moses, and he gave them the commands that the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.
When Moses finished speaking to the people, he put a covering over his face. Any time Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, Moses took off the covering. Then Moses would come out and tell the Israelites what the Lord commanded. The people would see that Moses’ face was shining bright, so he would cover his face again. He kept his face covered until the next time he went in to speak with the Lord.”
(Exodus 34:29-35 ERV)
So what does this mean to you today? I was laying the foundation today for the next few days. I don’t have time to cover a great deal, but I will give you a few quick thoughts.
- Moses spent time in the presence of the Lord on Mount Sinai. He spoke to God and God spoke to Him as a man would speak to a friend. He received the 10 Commandments and He learned God’s ways. All of this happened during a 40-day fast. This is not a coincidence. When you are fasting you have a heightened sensitivity for God’s voice and your sacrifice also helps you draw nearer to God.
- Yesterday I said, “Fasting does not change or move God. Fasting changes and moves you!” Today’s passage is a good example of this. Moses fasted for 40 days. Afterward, God was not changed. God was still God. But Moses was changed. Moses was SO changed that he came back looking different. The glory of the Lord was all over Moses’ face, to the point where he had to cover his face in order to have a conversation with people. When you fast, not only does it change you, but if you make fasting part of your lifestyle, it will change you to the point where others will see God when they look at you.
- I run into people all the time who complain about not hearing God’s voice or not knowing their purpose. They say, “God does not speak to me.” The truth is, God is always speaking. Unfortunately, we are not always listening and we have to learn to discern His voice. Fasting helps with this. Fasting gives you an opportunity to rid yourself of distractions and to give God your attention long enough to enjoy His presence and hear His voice.
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. This year I expect to see Your Harvest manifested in my life like never before. For this to happen I need to Hear Your voice clearly. So, I build up my expectation to do so. I maintain a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. As I do, I learn to discern Your voice. You show me dreams while I sleep and open visions while I am awake. You speak to me throughout each day. I am Your sheep. I hear Your voice. The voice of a stranger, I will not follow. And as I walk with You and You with me, the encounters we have leave ME changed. I come back with the residue of the supernatural all over me. When people look at me, they see You! When people speak to me, they hear You! When people hang out with me, they feel Your presence! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
