One of the natural benefits of the Daniel Fast is that it cleanses the body. There is ample proof that fasting is good for the body. And while we can all use a physical detox now and then, the real benefit of fasting is the purification that takes place in our soul and spirit. In case you haven't experienced it yet, most people get meaner when they fast. It's part hunger and part caffeine withdrawal but it is also part purification.
Here in Steeler country, most people understand the process of making high quality steel. You basically put all the ingredients into the blast furnace and fire it up. In the process, impurities rise to the surface where they can be skimmed off. Fasting is like God's blast furnace. Sometimes there are impurities we don't know are there. Sometimes there are impurities we know are there but try to hide them or cover them up. But nothing gets past the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit may be the Great Comforter, but He is also the Great Revealer. David prayed a sincere prayer when he said, "Lord search me and know me and see if there be any wicked thing in me." (Psalm 139:23-24) If you pray David's prayer I can promise you one thing, God will come up with something that needs uncovered.
During the Daniel Fast, let's have the courage to ask God to bring hidden things to the surface. When He does, deal with it and "skim it off". Because, in the end, it is the impurities in steel that can cause a catastrophic failure. The same is true in our spirit man. Little impurities, small attitudes, tiny areas of unforgiveness, they can all be the weak point in our spiritual life. Let the Daniel Fast percolate those impurities to the surface where God can gently remove them.
Pastor Dale
I so agree Pastor, the process is hard, heated, and painful but the outcome is eternal growth. God turn up the heat and purify your church.
ReplyDeleteThe Westmoreland Art museum has an exhibit on Pittsburgh Steel Mills and there's some really amazing works of pictures depicting the pouring of hot liquid steel.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post Pastor, these pictures come to mind and the thought of the process warms my soul. Once we pass through the refining fire, and the impurities are removed, once we are molded and shaped, the finished product is pure and unpenetrable.
I love it, Pastor Angie... "Turn up the heat!"
I sometimes pray like David did but not nearly often enough. May we all find the courage to ask God to reveal any impurities. We will all be stronger for it if we allow God to remove them.
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