Day 9: Come Away
As we press on in this 21-day fast, we need to remember that Jesus modeled for us the wisdom of coming away with the Lord.
If Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit in His life and ministry on Earth, then you and I need that same power all the more. The days are not getting any easier. The church desperately needs to regain the edge for the battles ahead. We need the “edge” of the power of the Holy Spirit operating in our lives.
The heartfelt words of the great Christian missionary, Hudson Taylor, bring this need into clear focus: “But has the whole church ever, since the days before Pentecost, put aside every other work and waited for Him for ten days, that that power might be manifested? Has there not been a source of failure here? We have given too much attention to methods and to machinery and to resources, and too little to the Source of Power—the filling with the Holy Ghost.”
Hudson Taylor knew by experience the power of God and the influence it had through his work and ministry laboring in China. He founded China Inland Ministries in 1865 and broke new ground into that closed country. He began a lasting work that still impacts lives today. In the days before Pentecost, the church waited upon the promise of God. The Holy Spirit knows when we need to fast and pray. It is beyond my ability to even fathom what great things could be wrought on this earth if God’s people would heed the Spirit’s voice and follow His leading.
We rarely desire to be in the extremes of the wilderness, but the same Holy Spirit who leads us into blessings can also lead us to the desert to come away for a season of fasting and prayer. The thing to remember is if He is leading, He is with you!
Christians cry out, “God, use me. God, I want Your purposes manifest in my life.” But fasting is not fun. It’s a choice. And it is work! One thing that I believe all Christians must come to realize is if we are going to walk with God, at some point we need to get out of our comfort zone. Life brings extremes. When the Spirit of God leads you into a season of fasting, I encourage you to follow Him and to trust that you will “return in the power of the Spirit.” We want everything with a shortcut, but remember that His timing is perfect, and your time will come.
January 14, 2013 | Permalink56 Responses to Day 9: Come Away
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Hi Leoni,
I have been for a wedding on Saturday and I did not eat of the dishes I loved. I ate a salad and drank my water. People respected my fast and was amazed at the grace God gave to allow one to sit at the table and yet not eat of the luxury off it.
It is amazing to know that people respect and honor one who fasts. Stick with it to the end.
Stick by your commitment
Malcolm
South Africa-
Leonie Brewer says:
Thank you Malcolm for taking the time to reply. I will listen to the Spirit and fast to the end.
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Val says:
Stay strong and stay focused! Enjoy both the celebrations …..maybe this is where you are being called to lead by example. Found people find people! Now you have all the more reason to fast and pray. Xo
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Crystal says:
The question is are u committed? Once u have made up ur mind to start this u should finish it asking the Holy Spirit to guide you ad to give u the strength to not give up. To give u the determination to finish strong. Ur on the Daniel fast so eat the fruit and veggies and when they ask that’s all ur going to eat? U say yes I’m not that hungry shrug it of and change the topic. Franklins book he wrote fasting mentioned that. There are many occasions that come up at the time when one is fasting and that is the temptaion the enemy tries to put on u. Just like Jesus was tempted in the wilderness but he did not fall for it. Again ask The Lord to help be strong. And God Bless u can do it! In Jesus Name!
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Thank you Crystal I appreciate your encouragement and I am totally committed.
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Angela, Denton, tx says:
Each day…another revelation. Thank you pastor. I know first hand that you are annointed, and your words show the wisdom of the Holy Spirits leading.
May God bless you today in your personal life, in your home, your family. May God place a hedge of protection around you and your family. In the name of Jesus who died so that we could be righteous, so that we could be worthy of your presence. Thank you Lord for ALL that you have done for each of us. You know the cares of our heart. Thank you for choosing to reside within. We love you.
Again, Jentezen, thank you for caring enough to spread God’s word. May your house be blessed for all that you do in Christ name.
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Charles says:
There has never been a time when the Church needs to power of God’s Spirit more than the times we live in. I don’t want to try to accomplish in the flesh what only the Spirit of God can do. Holy Spirit fill us up as we wait for you!
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Titi says:
Amen Charles! We need the manifestation of God’s presence and power in our lives so unbelievers can be drawn to the cross but this cometh not but by prayer and fasting.
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grace says:
For me fasting usually entails spending more time with the master,heeding his voice through the holy spirit.
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Michelle says:
Yes indeed, well said, because the world is looking on and if the Holy Spirit is missing from our lives we will never be able to impact the world for Jesus Christ. I needed to hear this.
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Delores simpson says:
I, come in the spirit of agreement with the fact that we, as a family of God need to fast and pray. In Jesus name we press on to complete victory.
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Elizabeth says:
“Be still and know that I am God.” In the discipline of meditation, we learn to be still and quiet the mind so that we can more fully comprehend the presence of the Lord.
In this spiritual discipline, we learn to be still in the body and quiet in the mind so that God can overwhelm us in the Spirit. Meditation prepares the human person to encounter and experience the divine presence of God.We find Ezekiel in silent contemplation for seven days. Then Ezekiel writes, “At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me.” (Ezekiel 3:16) We read in the book of Acts that the apostles Peter and Paul were caught up in a state of ecstasy during times of prayer.The apostle John was in a state of contemplation when he received the Revelation. He writes, “On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.” John had entered into the Spirit in the same sense that Ezekiel did when he said, “The hand of the Lord was upon me.” (Ezekiel 3:22) These days, it is a challenge to be physically quiet and still so it takes consistent discipline to silence even our thoughts. It’s hard to hear the voice of God over the noise of our busy lives. We need to stop and be silent in order to hear him. -
Patricia Brown says:
This is the eighth year that I’ve fasted with Free Chapel. I believe that God is making ALL THINGS NEW in my life! I bless God for you Pastor Franklin and the vision He has given you in the endtimes. There is something different about THIS fast. I feel God’s presence stronger than before. I know that HE has turned some things around for me. I’m truly grateful for this time of COMING AWAY, and basking in his presence.
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Tina says:
Hi Patricia
THIS fast is different isn’t ? I feel God’s presence stronger as well…God Bless you, may He show up in supernatural way in your life!
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Helen says:
Praise God!,day 9 is here…yes I want and need God’s purposes manifested in my life! In Jesus Name…
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Violet says:
That you for these very encouraging words today! Especially the reminder of “when the Holy Spirit leads you.”
I know He has lead me to this fast with specific purpose and that He will fulfill His purpose. I just need to trust and obey. -
Don says:
Lord thank You for stretching me throughout this fast. Thank you for prompting me to spend more time with you, crying out to you, and seeking you for direction and instruction for my life. Although this fast is taking me out of my comfort zone, I am honored and excited to do so for you. So I thank you.
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asaph Gatundu mwangi says:
Amen pastor Franklin, am in Kenya and after reading your book in December 2012 I belief God placed it on my hands so that I would join you in the 21-days fast. For sure there is more. Will continue to the end- Asaph mwangi from Kenya.
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Toni says:
From Kenya to Washington. We have a mighty God! Power and Glory to Him!!!! Our God has no boundary’s. good to have a brother in Kenya! Stay strong brother
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jeff says:
Praise GOD ! Great reminder many of us Christians have become such a Drive-through McDonald’s group wanting our answers to ” OUR ” silly issues NOW ! LORD help us to to be patient on ” YOUR ” timing..tough to do but well worth waiting for ! Blessing’s to everyone as we start another week seeking our ” BIG GOD “…
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Jeanine says:
Today I just feel so wearied. There is so much more I want from God in this life and I know God has called me to do great things. I just feel so defeated and wearied. At my church I am not used to my full capacity and I feel smothered and I need direction. Wasn’t as strong as I wanted to be on this fast last week, but I’m starting over this week. Please pray for me. Thank you!
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Hi Jeanine
Oswald Chambers wrote we don’t need a savior for the big things in life our human pride will take care of that, we need a savior for the everyday grind. Amen?
Stay strong in the fast and I believe God is going to show up in a big way. Praying for you! God Bless -
Diane says:
You are not alone Jeanine! We are all in this together! Stay focused, do your part as the Holy Spirit leads you He will give you the grace to complete this fast! I have messed up an few times but I am still going to finish! Praise God for you and what He is going to do in all our lives as we seek Him!
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tammera reed says:
I thank God for this fast,I want God to use me in any way he see’s fit and I want him to show me what he wants me to do.
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Jackie Steelman says:
I really needed this today, I am tired of fasting, and was thinking about giving up, I believe this year I am having greater difficulty fasting and praying than ever before. I don’t know what my problem is, these daily things you are posting are encouraging.
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THE GREATER THE OPPOSITION, THE GREATER THE BLESSING! Be encouraged.
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Reading everyone’s comments is such a blessing. The amazing people of God seeking His Face His Will in their lives. These are my sisters and brothers. We will meet someday and know that we prayed for each other during this time. May God bless each of you. In Christ’s name I lift you all up. For His Glory.
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I am at this moment in prayer for you Jackie. Keep your eyes on Christ and He will fill you up.
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Mpho Mohlele says:
I believe we need the holy spirit now than we have ever needed him. We can’t make it without him. Throughout this fast I have seen more of him. I enjoyed his presence, guidance, his ushering into the presence of the olmity! Thank you Pastor! You are just God-sent! We bless the Lord for you! I was introduced to this prayer by my sister in 2011 n since then I don’t look back! I see God in a very different way! God who talks, forgiving, answering prayers! God is so good to me for sure! God bless you Pastor n kip well!
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Please pray for me, I’m desperate. I have grown quite wearied over the years. This is the first time I am stepping out on faith to join up in partnership with any ministry other than my local church ministry, in which I have been very loyal over the pass several years. I am on the 21 day fast but last week I feel I failed God and myself. I’m starting again.
I know God has so much more for me in my singing/songwriting ministry but I feel so limited and smothered. I want the more God has for my life I want to fly as I often dream I am doing…am I weird or crazy? Please pray my strength in the Lord and that God will prosper me and open doors in my life to be a blessing to the nations. Thank you God Bless!
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Mary says:
Jenine, as I read your blog I got this scripture. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Is 41:10
Jenine you are truly blessed, I will keep you in my prayers. Sister in Christ, -
I am in prayer for you Jenine. God will give you the strength you need. You need only to trust in him. Helpful hint when you get really hungry open the Bible and really read His word to you. God Bless you for seeking Him.
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Cindy says:
Excited to start week 2 of the fast. Recommitted my time for prayer & reading. The Holy Spirit has shown me His presence and truth in His word. Bless the Lord, O my soul & all that is within me.
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cfrias757 says:
Amen, Powerful words. Yes, I can definitely say that being out of my comfort zone is not easy at all, but the rewards are yet more than I can ever imagine. In 2009, the precious Holy Spirit have lead my husband and I to move to another state, leaving our entire family (ie: mothers, father, sisters, brothers, etc.) into a land that we have never imagined we would end up in our life. Although, where we are is more desirable to live (financially speaking) but having our loved ones so far away, still makes it difficult. Since then, we have been able to be a blessing to others, and God opened opportunities for people that we have encountered to repent and know about Jesus. Nothing is more precious than doing the will of God, just as Jesus said “Father, may Your will be done, and not mine”.
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First fast for me.I pray God extends my territory. Salvation for my family and for this decaying world. Blessing are already coming in. And for things I am not even in prayer for. God knows what, and when I need. And He provides faithfully. God is good in all things. Funny how when I am in prayer I don’t feel hungry at all. Guess that just tells me where to stay
In Prayer! -
Michelle says:
Yes Lord….Amen…I will trust in the Lord….
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Cynthia says:
Yes Lord, my time will come and your timing is prefect. Help me to be able to wait patiently for u!!.
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anointedchild says:
This is a timely message. I am mourning on. We definitely need these times of affliction, I have just been realizing how much and often the people of God fasted(mourned, or afflicted their souls) for repentance, guidance, or other times of need. I have continued to tell my family that we feast, feast, feast, for everything. Nobody mourns or take the time to seek God fully and nothing is blessed or has the hand of or favor of God as He and we would like. Although we are not trying to get things from God I believe fasting will truly bless every area of our life as we are open and directed by God and He is Good, and Love and Joy and Peace and the earth is His and the fullness thereof. God is Good, press on til the end, I thank God now for what He is and will and has done for you all, your family, and friends.
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This is Michelle..this is our 9th day of fasting and prayer..I’m asking for prayer this day.. I must confess, for the past few days it seem as if the fast isn’t working for me. I feel flat within myself as if nothing is happen.. I have no focus on a passage of scriptures I would like to focus on, while on the fast..I’m getting sleepy everytime I try to read durning the day and evening..I have even ask the Lord, what’s going on with me, during this time of fasting and praying?? No, response yet..It’s time I want to stop the fast but I refuse….I”m asking for prayer that I stay focus and determined to keep on fasting and praying, while waiting on the Lord and continue to seek the Lord..Thank you for your prayers…
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Dana says:
Michelle, mighty woman of God, be encouraged, you are His daughter and you have found favor in His sight as you fast and confess the struggles. Be encouraged, it’s clearly a fight to stay awake, stay focused – success is clearly at hand, because if you weren’t pressing through, the enemy wouldn’t be fighting you!
I’m learning to get up earlier, go for a walk and pray and then read in the word, review my notes from Pastor’s sermons, and I look the scriptures from my notes – that might help you too. God is working on your behalf and in you, no matter what it looks like or feels like. Father, God, bless your daughter, give her focus, let her feel your presence, help her to trust when you don’t speak, re-new her strength and stamina as she refuses to give up on this fast! I know you will honor her for that, Lord! Blessings, new words, new reveletions for her, re-newed zeal, direction and laughter, Lord, send it her way this day! -
Barbie says:
Be encouraged Michelle, we are praying for you. I suggest that you go back and watch the video clips or Pastor J,s messages on fasting. Don’t give up.
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LW says:
Sometimes it is the faith in seeing it through until the end than will create the victory even when you do not see the evidence of victory while doing it. Hold fast, the breakthrough comes.
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Therese Dominick says:
Praise God!
Yesterday at Trinity Bible Fellowship, my Pastor, Michael Roach spoke out of Luke 14:26, 27, and 33. Jesus’s non negotiable instructions for His disciples regarding committment. I was at a crossroads with the fast and failed miserably the last two days. At the end of the sermon Pastor Michael gave a word for those at a crossroads that ,”God said yes, I want you to do what you are ? me about”. It gave me the edge I needed to continue. Then TBN had Pastor Jentezen Franklin encouraging through a teaching out of II Kings: Elisha and Joash:
Thank You both pastors for your obedience to God in your preaching. Praise God that He too wants us to be successful with Fasting, Prayer and Giving. Keep on Brothers and Sisters, the reward is worth it!
Love, In His Service
Therese, Washington PA -
renee says:
does the fast end on the day of the 27th?or do we fast the 27th to? dont wanna end earlier then suppose to..god has blessed durin this fast thus far…thank u lord for all ur many blessings
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Praise God! My husband and I did our first fast four years ago. Our main prayer is that our son would be saved and turn from a life of drugs and crime. And this year God saved him from the fire pit of hell. And gave him complete deliverance from meth and cocaine addiction..praise God! He is in jail right now but can’t wait to hug his neck…..keep fasting….God Bless
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Guibithja says:
Praise the Lord for His Supernatural strongest presence of the Lord during this fast period and this is true that something big is coming on my way,Thank you Pastor for this program that boost our faith and ministry. I remembered a sister in south Africa almost 4 years ego told me that she received her blessing car after fasting program and I’m very excited to see God moving now with me in 21 days and even though I’m at work but I’m really involved in and strongly believe that God is doing Amizing things in my family,life and ministry.Thank you Holy Spirit to move with us and pouring upon us wisdom and blessing in Jesus’s Name.
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Ezequiel says:
please pray for me, I am committed for this fasting and do know that the devil isn’t happy about it. moreover, I do not know anyone in my vicinity that has also joined the 21 days. I am struggling to stay committed, feeling weak and spend time with God daily. please pray that God may strength me as I pray that God continues to strength all of you.
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In Prayer for you Ezequiel. Take a deep breath of the air of God. Relax into His loving arms. You are not alone. God is with you. Praise you Father
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To Jeanine, Praise God you are starting anew, He loves us very much.
To Renee: I will finish my fast at sundown on the 27th. I am so grateful to know that I do not have to bow to that religious spirit any longer and I can “Trust in the Lord with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding and in all my ways I acknowledge Him, knowing He will direct my paths.” -
Leonie
Go to both…nothing says that you have to eat. Simply say, “I’m fine. No thanks when offered food.” Likewise, talk to your daughter now about your fast. And when her birthday arises (a) she will just be glad you are there!!!!! and (2) even if she forgets, you will get thru without quiting or breaking the fast. GOD WILL SEE YOU THRU!!!!! I agree that we should not go out of the way to meet temptation (i.e. luncheons with friends). However, you can’t avoid temptation all together and I’m not sure that we should. What is our faith if it is never tested?
I have faith that by day 15 you will be much stronger than you realize now. Family is important, but your committment to God is even more important. I have faith that you will fulfill both commitments.
But in the meantime (1) pray about this/these events, ask for strength and direction (2) talk to your daughter now, if you haven’t already, about you fast, the commitment you have made to God, and how excited you are to be spending this time with God…you don’t have to mention her birthday at this point, but if SHE brings it up I have faith that you can focus on her and how awesome y’alls time together will be (even if you don’t have a slice of cake).
I have faith that you WILL be victorious, and God will be glorified. What an examply your daughter has!!!!!!!! Our example, our excitement is often the best testimony we can offer. Way to go Leonie!!!!!!!!
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Thank you Angela for that wise counsel – I will have victory to the end!
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Christine says:
Father help me to heed to the calling or nudging of the holly spirit, because he will always lead us in the right path. The holly spirit is our guide in making all decisions and we need to be aware of his presence always.
Thank you Jesus for giving us our helper because we are never alone. Holy spirit continue living in me and teaching me. Glory be to God and praise to Him. -
Kay Stark says:
Kay says – Our whole church was call on to fast by our Pastor. I had two minor surgeries this past week, so I started my fast today. At church last Sunday our pastor message was on fasting and Gods purpose for us in our christian life. Not what we want to do, but what God wants us to do. I had breast cancer this past year and praise God I am cancer free. Before our fast was called, I had been seeking God what was I to do. I wanted to fulfull his purpose as to what I was to do for him. My problem I was not letting God speak to me, I was trying to think of what I wanted to to for God and not what he wanted. I feel like this fast was called to wake me up to the facr I need to wait on God to show me what he wants. Then our Pastors wife emailed us to look on your website to help us with our fast. I am so thankful am waiting on my answer from God. Also for my family. My Mom and Dad were Assembly of God ministers. I’m so thankful for them raising me in a Christian home. God bless all of you and let you hear from God.
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kimenyi richard says:
thank you.
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Dave Hawes says:
Thank you REV Franklin for responding to God on this issue of fasting at the beginning of the year. I think this is the fourth year for me. My personal testimony is that the first time I participated, I felt that the Holy Spirit was nudging me to do so. However, I knew myself well enough to know that I COULD NOT. It was then that I told the Lord how impossible it would be for me. I can’t say that I heard Him speak to me but I was reminded of Paul saying that he was dead and yet nevertheless he lived and yet not him but Christ in him. Then I told God that if I could TOTALLY depend upon Him to “do this” through me, I would NEVER attempt to claim it as “discipline” on my part. Immediately, from then till now, there has been a Grace released in me for fasting and the fruit has been dramatic!! For those who are good at discipline, bless you and good luck! However, those who have little to none (like me), ask Him to be “the vine” and help you to be just “a branch”. Ask Him to show you that you are “dead” (crucified with Him) and that His resurrection life might manifest in you for this purpose. Be ready for 2 things! 1. Victory and 2. ABSOLUTELY no opportunity for your “strong determination” to take ANY credit.
Good morning Pastor Franklin
Please can you give me advice on what to do when a special occasion comes around during your fast. I’m committed to the 21 day Daniel fast but I’m on the 6th day. However, my daughter – who doesnt know the Lord (she’s going to be 35) has invited me if I’m going to spend her birthday with her (as I always do) – her birthday is on the 25th – my fast ends the 30th? Plus we have been invited to celebrate a Christian brother’s baby dedication on the 19th. Help! Leonie