Day 21

January 31

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8–10.

Whenever I come to the end of an extended fast, I often have mixed emotions. I certainly enjoy the thought of eating again, but I actually grieve that the fast comes to an end for two primary reasons. 

1) Answers to Prayer - During the fast, I often see such dramatic answers to prayer. While perhaps we see an increase in answers to prayer during a fast, it is necessary for each of us to recognize that any answer from God was not a result of our “doing.” 

Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 2:8-9 that anything we receive from God is all “by grace.” The definition of grace is “unmerited favor.” We do not earn favor; we receive favor. Paul makes it clear that it is not a “result of works.” 

As we finish the fast, may we celebrate God and all the works that God did. Any answer to prayer had little to do with what we may have done. We received answers to prayer by grace. Celebrate the grace of God and worship Him for His grace. End the fast the way Jesus ends His Prayer Pattern, “For yours is the kingdom and the glory and the power forever and ever.” 

2) Intimacy with God - During the fast, I often enjoy deep intimacy and connection with God. I have had extended times in God’s Word. I confess sin, journal, grieve, plan ahead, and receive revelation for the days ahead.  

I often come to the end of the fast, and while I am excited to eat, I do not want to lose the deep connection with God, and I want to continue to see more supernatural answers to prayer. Perhaps you are like me? 

I want to encourage you to celebrate what God has done. Write down the miracles. Celebrate the answers to prayer. Journal the ways God has brought you closer to Him. Then, ask God to help you to transition to eating again. 

While we may eat tomorrow, the intimacy with God can remain. God is eager to meet with you on day 22 (tomorrow, after you have eaten food), as he was on Day 1 of the fast. God wants you to continue to draw near to Him. Seek Him. Continue to flow in intimacy with Him. 

Prayer: 

Father God, thank you for the miracles you have done. I have received them by grace through faith. I did not deserve or earn anything. I received everything by grace. I also thank you for the increased intimacy and connection we have had on this fast. I love you now more than ever. Help me now as I return to eating. While I return to eating, I do not want to return to the way things were before the fast. I am a new person. I want to continue to draw near to you and seek you with all my heart so I can remain close with you. (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7-8; James 4:8)

Stephen Hartley,

2nd Wave Team Leader & Pastor in Dacula, GA