It’s not just a Ritual

As I write thousands associated with the church world are participating in 21 days of fasting and prayer. Many I’m sure have already been approached by the enemy with the question, “Isn’t this just a temporary ritual that has no lasting impact? Why continue?” If you remember it did not take the devil very long at all to present himself with questions once Jesus was driven into the wilderness. All of which I might add were an attempt to bring doubt and discouragement. However, Jesus remained focused. Why? He knew this act of dedication was far more than a ritual. Quite possibly he thought of the words his Father had relayed to the great prophet Isaiah. "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail….Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken." With this promise it is no wonder the enemy pushed for abandonment. With this promise it is no wonder why Jesus was so resistant and determined. The infinite Savior knew that a season of temporary inconvenience would result in permanent blessings. And we see those demonstrated throughout his ministry. Destinies were forever changed because he obeyed.  The same will be manifested in our lives. Be tenacious in your commitment and know that what you are doing far exceeds the ritual.