David Brainerd a young missionary in his 20's understood the need for fasting in the advancement of the Gospel as well as the expansion of his soul. Here is a brief testimony from his diary:
Feeling somewhat of the sweetness of communion with God and the force of His love and how it captivates my soul and makes all my desires and affections to center in God, I set apart this day for fasting and prayer to God, to bless me in view of preaching the Gospel. I had life and power in prayer this afternoon. God enabled me to wrestle ardently in intercession for my friends. The Lord visited me marvelously in prayer. I think my soul was never in such agony before. I felt no restraint, for the treasures of God’s grace were opened to me. I wrestled for absent friends and for the ingathering of poor souls. I was in such agony from sun half an hour high till near dark that I was all over wet with sweat. Oh! my dear Savior did sweat blood for these poor souls! I longed for more compassion toward them. I was under a sense of divine love, and went to bed in such a frame of mind, with my heart set on God.
Questions for reflection:
- Do you have a fasting testimony?
- When is the last time you wrestled with God over the souls of men & women in your life?
- When is the last time you tasted the sweetness of God's grace deep with in your soul?
- Do you hunger for God more than you do for his blessings?
- What inwardly is stopping you from having a fasting testimony?
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