Ezra 8:21 NKJV

Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.

Ezra had already spoken to King Artaxerxes about security. He had stated clearly that God was able to give them all the protection they needed from the hands of their enemies, so the King had not dispatched any soldiers to escort them. Yet here they were at the River of Ahava, beyond which point they were sure to be attacked, especially by all those who wanted to see them fail.

Ezra had to make a move, and the move had to be good enough to save the whole entourage that was with him.

One tool of prayer dropped into his spirit; FASTING.

The fast was declared to display their humility before God and actually seek for His protection. And indeed God responded and provided the security they desired.

Our reasons for fasting have been skewed towards one direction for far too long. We usually fast when we want a baby, favour in an interview, success in a project, etc, etc, etc. But fasting transcends all these wants or needs. God desires we fast for spiritual and physical protection, for spiritual gifts and for good virtues that make us better Christians.

Your testimonies should not only be that you fasted for a number of days and got that long awaited visa, but also that God endowed you with a spiritual gift you’ve craved for for a long time or that He gave you protection when you sought His face at the River of Ahava.

Have a blessed day.

#CarllyDevotionals #1ChapterADay