A Plot Twist To Fasting

Hi, kind stranger. 

I realise that I have been writing consistently for the past two months (with a December break) without starting with salutations. I hope you are content with me addressing you as a “kind stranger.” Though a majority of people who read my blog know me personally, I have learned that there are a few kind strangers who read and leave me good feedback. I prefer the word ‘stranger’ because it describes internet connections, strangers who become friends. So, as I am about to start this piece of work, I just want to say…

Hi, kind stranger. 

I didn’t publish this blog earlier in the week because, though I had a word, I felt it was meant for me but not for my kind strangers. And so I lingered in God’s presence until I found what I believe would benefit you and your journey with God. I know many people started the year with a fast, a hiatus, or some sort of respite. It has been so encouraging seeing on social media how everyone is starting the year by seeking God’s face.

Our church is still doing its 21 days, and as I was having my devotion this morning, I came across this story that changed my paradigm on fasting and praying. I think [ this is solely my cynical opinion] that people often fast for self-interest. I started this week with random prayer points in mind, such as fasting for a house, our marriage, the church, my business, etc. The heart and attitude around it was that my fast would effect change in areas I am fasting for. I don’t believe that it is inherently bad to fast for self-interest, but do believe that at some point, we rely on the fast way more than we do God’s divinity.

I was reading 2 Samuel chapters 8 through 12 and got stuck there. I have other things to say about other chapters (and I will), but today, I want to focus on chapter 12. In chapter 10 we see King David going to war with the Ammonites and defeating them. In chapter 11, the King is staying over in Jerusalem and finds himself subdued by lust and fornication over Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. For no apparent reason, King David plots for Uriah to be killed in the war so he may take his wife for himself. Bathsheba fell pregnant as a result of the coitus she and David had. In chapter 12, Nathan (the prophet) goes to King David and shares the disgruntlement and wrath of the Lord. David does the noble (not heroic) thing of repenting from his sin [see Psalm 51]. The Lord forgave David, but the consequence was that the child of David and Bathsheba would die. Now, this is the important part of the story and a point that I am attempting to bring to your attention. 

2 Samuel 12:16: “David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground” NKJV

2 Samuel 12:18: “Then on the seventh day, it came to pass that the child died.” NKJV

2 Samuel 12:20: “So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.”NKJV

David’s fast did not save his son. His earnest prayer did not save his son. Fasting did something for David, though… it enabled him to get up, dust himself off, and worship The Lord. The fast strengthened Him to accept the will of God. Fasting does not twist God’s plan (or arm if you will)… it enables you to accept it and sing, “Whatever my lot thou hath taught me to say, It is well. It is well with my soul.”

My kind strangers, the world may not revolve around the plans you’ve set and prayed for this year. Tough times will come, but I hope you realise that your fast will strengthen your inner man. I hope you realise that the fast will enable you to get up, dust yourself off and worship the Lord. 

May this year draw you closer to the one who is able to keep your soul intact and keep you from stumbling.  

Love, 

Kind Stanger.