Day 8: Waiting on God
Fasting is telling God that you want to be with Him more than you want to spend time with other people. It is a time to focus all of your attention on Him alone. Fasting is feeding your spirit by neglecting your flesh.
Jesus was led by the Spirit to fast and pray in that desert before He preached one sermon, healed one cripple, freed one captive, or called one disciple. At the end of forty long days and nights in the desert, Satan tested Jesus in three specific areas intended to get Jesus to compromise the path to our redemption.
Sometimes God makes a promise, but the fulfillment of the promise requires a process. We want the promise to become reality, but we do not want to go through God’s process to get us there. Jesus went through a process of fasting forty days to prepare Him for ministry; fasting paved the way for God’s promise to be fulfilled through the cross. I’m thankful every day that Jesus didn’t take the shortcut.
Is your lifestyle so busy that you can’t find time to stop and listen to God? Are you too busy to read God’s Word? Do you feel guilty that you make so little time for Him? “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Jesus was often surrounded by crowds of people, but frequently He would pull Himself away from the busyness of the day and withdraw to be alone with God to pray. He needed to stay tapped into the Source of all things, and so do we.
We’ve misunderstood the scriptures, commanding us to wait upon the Lord. Jesus was waiting on God for forty days and nights as He was fasting in the wilderness. How often do we wait for a doctor, wait for a hair stylist, or wait for a phone call? Are we willing to “pay the price” for hearing from God by changing our priorities from favorite TV programs and social media networks to being alone with God in prayer, and reading His Word as we fast from physical food?
As you fast, pray and walk through wilderness experiences, you will become qualified to handle what God has for you in the future. Fasting prepares you for what is yet to come!
January 13, 2013 | Permalink51 Responses to Day 8: Waiting on God
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Angela Lopez, seeking his face says:
“Sometimes God makes a promise, but the fulfillment of the promise requires a process. We want the promise to become reality, but we do not want to go through God’s process to get us there”
Truer words have not been spoken. 2 years ago, BEFORE my husband of 10 years moved out, God promised me that my marriage would be restored. Now 9 months into a seperation, and his new found wordly single manhood, I still struggle to make changes in the areas most needed in my life. I pray for him, our marriage, our 4 kids. I have previously fasted for restoration of our marriage. I believe it will be restored…not because of my husband’s current desire, but because God is faithful. And until He gives me a new word that is a clear as his promise of restoration was July 03, 2011 then I will continue to wait upon the Lord.
However, I MUST find my drive again. I don’t want to be the servant who burried his master’s money out of fear. I want to ACTIVELY wait upon the Lord. I want to be the woman of God, the wife, the mother, the daughter that God has called me to be while I am waiting.
Lord, I will serve you while I am waiting. Help me to hear your voice clearly. Help me to see (and DO) your will. Lord, I want to be passionate about not only you, but LIFE once again. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for “inviting” us to Fast with you. In Jesus Holy Name I pray.
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Doris says:
Praying for you, Angela. Believing with you for the restoration of your marriage. To God be the Glory!!
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Tina says:
He is the author and finisher of our faith.
God Bless you faithfulness. -
Patricia Brown says:
I pray that God will revive you again in this fast. Stay before God and He will work things out for you. He is a HEART FIXER.
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Dana Scott says:
Angela, I’m standing with you for restoration to your marriage – it’ s only a matter of time before he encounters a “fireproof” moment, we know God is dealing with him and wooing him, no matter what the outward appearances look like! Hang in there, Job 22:28 says ” we declare a thing and it is established” – declare it, girl! NOTHING is impossible for our God! Can’t wait to hear the praise report!
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Susann Belflower says:
Dear Angela, God hates divorce. That is what his word says. I think that God wants to restore your heart so that you can live in his light and love with joy in your heart with or without your husband.
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masood pervaiz says:
every day when i read the journal i am blessed revived and motivated more and more may God bless pastor jentezen and free chapel for his grace amen.
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Stephanie says:
Thank you!!!!!!
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Dani says:
How wonderful!
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nathan says:
I just wanted to ask a question what do I do if I were fasting and messed it up by eating. Do I continue or start over?
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Patrick says:
It’s not messing up if you ate. The devil may want you to feel that way but, God honors what you have done. The choice is up to you whether to start over or continue. Personally I would continue and just add that time to the end.
Isaiah 43:18 do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. -
Paula says:
Praise the Lord, Nathan
Our God is a loving a faithful God. He knows that we are weak in the flesh, and we yield to the flesh sometimes, even though we want to be stay strong in the Spirit. I have been fasting for years, and Yes, I have failed in that area on occassion too. So, you be encouraged and make the devil out to be the liar that he is and get back into the Daniel Fast. Repent first, and get back on track. Be encouraged, and NEVER give up! YOU WILL succeed on this fast!
God bless you.
Paula -
Diana says:
Ask for forgiveness from The Lord and continue
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Hi Nathan
You are suppose to eat. Did you eat something not on the Daniel Fast ? If so be of good cheer and pickup where you dropped off. God understands.Many blessings
~TIna -
Barbie says:
Im doing a Daniel fast, but last night I made dish with cheese and pie crust for my daughter. It was a new recipe. I convinced myself I needed to make sure it was good, so I ate some and was immediately convicted. I repented and asked the Lord to help me cntinue on to my victory. I refuse to let one moment of weakness stop me. I pray that you seek God, and His Spirit will help you to continue on to your victory as well. Be encouraged, sometimes even “seasoned” fasters fall and need the grace of God to come help us get to our feet and get back in the race.
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Heather says:
Dust yourself off, pick yourself up and start over! Don’t let the enemy or people condemn you. This is between you and your Father. Ask for His help and focus on praying for someone else when temptation comes. That is on tactic I use. If I’m praying for myself I may be more easily tempted, but if I focus on others hurts and needs I may be more committed.
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Melissa says:
Just continue. Don’t let the enemy fool you into quitting just because you made a mistake. I was at breakfast with my Mom yesterday and on my 3rd bite when I realized that my omelet had meat in it. I just picked out the meat (as best as I could), finished my meal and thanked God for His Grace. God’s grace is sufficient to cover our blond moments.
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Repent and continue. God has already honored that time you fasted. As a matter of fact, when you purposed in your heart to fast, He blessed you. This didn’t catch God off-guard. Get up, brush yourself off, and get back in the race.
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Mrs. Smith says:
PRAISE GOD! Good word!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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grace says:
The promise, the word. Thank you pastor for reminding ha that we serve a God who stands on his words and his promises, l believe we are in a time of preparation,God help us to be ready to do your will.
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doug says:
Realizing that more and more. ‘will pass this word on to the people I am prayinf or during this time
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Praise the Lord, Everyone
I appreciate the words of encouragement, Pastor. This fast is doing some great things in me. I feel that God is doing something awesome behind the scenes for me. I have had a very serious attack against my computers. I have four of them, and 3 of them are brand new, and One of them is only 2 years old. Someone is logging into them and using them. I prayed for God to reveal who it was and how they did it, and He did. I just need to know the next step to take. Pray for God to lead me concerning what to do next? I would like to encourage everyone to stay the course, and be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power.
Paula
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Lyn says:
I am so proud to read the faithfullness of His children. I am praying for the return to Jesus of my son, who has believed a lie. Please pray for Jesus to give him a revelation of who He truly is, and for my son to be filled with the Holy Ghost in a new and powerful way. He also needs a Godly young woman to be his helpmate for life. God bless all of you who are perservering to be close to our Lord. God Bless all of you, and may His strength be with you this 2nd week of our fast. Lynieb
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Mickey says:
So glad to have this! Its like when you see others comment, you know you’re not alone in this movement and that others feel the same way. These are words of encouragement that everyone needs to make it through these fasting days…
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Joy says:
In Jesus, the Living Word made flesh, our spirits are regenerated but not our bodies or souls (minds, wills, intellects, emotions). Celebrating Jesus, declaring who He is and who we are in Him because of what He did for us, is my love focus as I study in Him and give over my cares. I feast upon Jesus through worship which includes fasting from the Holy Spirit-led foods and entertainment of this world. As I devote more time in active fellowship with Him, I can hear and proclaim a greater revelation from His heart over my family and myself as well as for others, including our national future. It is not of myself but by Jesus’ grace and peace unspeakable that I live, laugh, and have my being as I run that good race. I choose to allow Jesus to complete the good work He has begun in me because Jesus in me is my glorious hope, Grace and Peace Himself! With and through and in Jesus all things are possible, including a fast!!! Shalom
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nadine says:
Thank you!!!
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Guibithja says:
Thank you for the question and I believe Pastor Jentenzen can Answer you.God is faithfull, if you messed up,please ask God forgiveness and continue your jouney.This is devil plan to see you stop and close the way of your blessing.
Is your lifestyle so busy that you can’t find time to stop and listen to God? Are you too busy to read God’s Word? Do you feel guilty that you make so little time for Him? “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Don’t stop seeking God for you life and you will see God’s interventio.Stay focussed and be blessed.Glory to God. -
Lawrence.Y says:
The Sermon highlighting the Elisha and the need for us to not stop striking the arrows has been so very profound for me. Am on a 40 Day liquid fast – started on 3rd Jan, and this gives me even more focus and determination to keeping going and Win. God Bless you Pst.Jenzeten and Free Chapel friends.
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Lawrence….not sure if you have netflicks, hulu or itunes. BUT if you do…hear is some extra incouragement. The film,”Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” is very inspirational. It’s about a middle aged man who decides to go on a 60 day juice fast, and some of the lives he changes along the way. Now this man’s fast was strictly for his health, I can only imagine what you will accomplish with God in your corner. Good luck during your 40 day quest, and remember to ask God what changes you need to make/keep long after your fast. May God bless you deeply.
http://fatsickandnearlydead.com/
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Christine says:
The sermon today was about waiting on God also. This was meant for me to wait and trust that God is aware of my needs and He has not forgotten me. But as I wait, I should pray, fast and give. I should do the work of God, and the Lord who hears us from heaven will answer all my prayer.
This is God showing me that we are all looking to the same God, the only God yesterday, today and forever. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. Receive all the praiseand honor.
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Cynthia says:
Hallelujah, Thank God for this word. It reminds me to have ample time to read His word and meditate on it and even though as human as we are, other ungodly thoughts will come in our minds but we need not to linger on them because the word of God is alive in us and we are going to triumph over the enemy. For the bible says the expectation for the righteous shall not be cut off. We are going to be victorious-Amen
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Barbara Reese says:
Ditto! We really have to take time out for God so that we can seek Him and be refreshed!! I’m so excited to be a part of this fasting again this year!
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NAthan said,”I just wanted to ask a question what do I do if I were fasting and messed it up by eating. Do I continue or start over?”
YES…continue, start over….either way KEEP GOING. God will see you thru to the end. He is a loving and gracious God, he will forgive. BUT don’t give up/quit. People don’t put enough thought into breaking their promises to God which is why we live in the world we are in. TRUST ME…God will reward your persistance. Better to try, fall and then try again than to give up, give in and quit which is what Satan is hoping for. GOD BLESS YOU NATHAN….God is watching you, and he is so proud of you for continuing on your journey
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Thanking God today for who He is and all He has done and is doing! God is a great big God and He loves us and is watching carefully over us all as we draw near to Him!
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Lilly says:
Thank you for sharing these words. As always they are uplifting & encouraging during this time of consecration. May The Lord continue to strengthen us through this time of fasting & prayer. Blessings!
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Michelle says:
Amen!!! It is time to put our focus on the Lord and become all that the Lord has for us…I’m so determine to become all he Father is requiring of me…I desire to draw closer to the Lord seeking and putting the Lord first in all things…thank you Pastor Franklin for the fasting and prayer movement….
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Amy Hawkins says:
I believe that God has amazing things for me in the future. And I am always willing to wait through commercials for my favorite shows, or be put on hold on the phone, etc…So during this fast, putting food aside and the material things of this world I am doing my best to serve God. I am willing to wait for you Jesus and go through the process with you as you fill me with you Jesus…Empty me of myself. Shine through me Father and use me in this world of yours that has forgotten about you. Help me to not be so quick with my tounge (having a responce for everything). I love you Jesus with all of me
I choose you over the material things of this world. I even choose you over food Father -
Juju says:
Good for you, Amy! I have to confess that i was out of patience going through the process. I was crying for answers when i was praying this morning. I am fasting for God’s purpose and plans for my life, especially my career be released soon. Having reading the pastor’s note, i understood that i need more patience as well as strong faith in him, believing that He has a plan for me, a plan to prosper me, not harm me. I am praying for God’s forgiveness, He is always a loving God, we are His beloved children, God will keep his promise if we truly trust in Him! Emmanuel!!!
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Vickie says:
Praise and thanksgiving to God Almighty for the word of encouragement from His Holy word. Our strength is renew for His joy is our strength . Praise Him for this time of refreshing that that comes from the presence of the Lord.Act 3: 19. Thank you so much Pastor God bless. Amen
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Makisha says:
Please keep my family in prayer. I have discovered through my oldest son 17 years old that his father ( my ex-husband) has shown him a video tape of him having intercourse with two different women on seperated occasions while we were married. I’m not sure what this was for. he supposedly was under the influence of alcohol. It’s already a problem with the possibility of others exposing children to inappropriate things, but his father? I am going to the Family Court office here and Atlanta and let them know, that I do not want my children around him unsupervised. Please pray for my sons mental and spiritual health as he is very devastated. I’m will complete this fast no matter Satan tries to do! Amen!!!! I got off to a bad start during the first 2 days, but I’m in it to win it!!!!
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Makisha……I am sincerely praying for you and your children. My husband of 10 years, who was once a moral leader in our home, has done similarly distressing things since he moved out. He hasn’t stooped to showing pornography to our kids, but nothing would surprise me at this point. As a mother, I know the hurt/fear/desperation you are feeling…the need to protect your children from their father’s deminished mental capacity. I will be praying for you, you kids and your exhusband as he is clearly under demonic attack and addictions. God bless you for reaching out for prayer. May God place a hedge of protection around you and your children. Might be a good idea to find a counselor or another trusted adult for your son to talk to…a CHRISTIAN mentor for your son. He needs a few good men in his life, especially now. God bless.
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April says:
Amen, My Sister, take a stand, and know “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” stay steadfast unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” God bless be ever encourage.
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Ronald says:
Amen, thanks for the word
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Reveda says:
I am seeking His guidance in all that i do and say. My expectations are being excellerated as I study His Word, seeing things i did not see before. The devotionals are confirmations to questions I`ve been asking God. I am loving this challenge.
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cfrias757 says:
Amazing words, words that gives life. Thank you!
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kelly says:
Hello Makisha,
Let me say I’m so sorry for you as I come from a family with these dark roots also. We need to pray specifically That God put an angel at the door of your son’s senses as that is where the enemy tries to enter (the lust of the eye’s). We also need to pray for your and your sons protection as people snared by sexual sins can be violent (God forbid!). As difficult as this is, just remember that noone just wakes up one day and “out of the blue” starts behaving this way. Not trying to excuse sinful behavior-but your ex-husband probably has had this done to him as well. I am saying this to help you (when the time comes)to be able to forgive. I know it is a huge betrayal. Just remember though, forgiving others even if they never repent is for our benefit because hatred will eat us alive. Above all alse, you couldn’t hate what your ex has done to your son any more than God does. you said your son is 17, that might be tough legally but we will pray God take him away as an influence towards your son. Peace be with you-Love, Kelly
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Monique Waggener says:
These blogs have really blessed me and my husband very much…. I’m going to share them some ladies that teach. Our church and recovery center our doing the 21 day fast…. it’s really encouraging tyj!! and thank . you Pastor Franklin
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Karla Cole says:
I started the fast late this year and I am encouraged by the words spoken over God’s people and the people that created this journal to share with other believers. We are not in this alone and we all need to take time out at the beginning of each year to give our mighty awesome God first place in our lives for the new year. Thanks for everyone’s encouraging words.
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Ann Moore says:
Thank you Pastor for a heart that seeks after God!!
Amen. Thank you Pastor. If we seek Him first, we will prioritize on time, be specific as we would when we make appointments with authorities of the world, even more to Him as He is the CEO of the Universe. Our God is Holy, all things are under Him and we are the sheep of His Pasture. Glory to God! Matthew 6:33