“Blow the trumpet in Zion sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”
Joel 2:15-16 KJV

​The book of Joel, serves as a prophetic guide for many of the end-time events, and this passage shows us a special call to fasting, a powerful spiritual weapon the Lord has given us. However, it has become a mere religious habit within the church.

In this blog, I would like to explain the current panorama and what true fasting entails.

A Glimpse at the Current Landscape

The recent crisis in the Middle East has awakened the Church worldwide. What happens to the people of Israel serves as a prophetic beacon for the Church and all nations. Since the quarantine, we have witnessed a significant shift in society. There have been major political controversies in several countries, wars, and a growing social destabilization.

This has led many believers to fear for the future, the well-being of their families, and even God’s plan for their lives. Undoubtedly, the Lord is shaking things up, not to be harsh on us, but to awaken our hearts and make us understand that we need to reflect on our ways, humble our hearts, and determine to do His will for this time; and this is where fasting comes in.

What is True Fasting?

Externally, fasting involves abstaining from certain foods for a specific period. However, it is not merely about enduring hunger; it holds a decisive spiritual significance.

Food sustains our physical bodies, and when we abstain from it, we are humbling our flesh, as if to say we need to weaken our flesh so that our spirit can be strengthened and to remember that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Fasting is a voluntary humbling before God to plead for His favor and mercy.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Isaiah 58:6-7

When a fast is called, the Lord expects more than just refraining from food; He desires inward transformation. Fasting invites us to introspection and to make the necessary changes to live according to the teachings of the Word. True fasting involves letting go of oppression, breaking yokes, sharing the Word with the hungry, covering those in prayer who are in need, and more.

An Urgent Call

Dear friend, all the turmoil worldwide is God’s call for us to reflect on our ways. The day of the Lord is approaching, and it is not the time to focus on the vanities of this world. If you carefully read the passage from the prophet Joel, you will understand that it is a call with a sense of urgency, as it speaks of gathering the whole family—children, elders, and even newlyweds. It’s like the Lord is saying: no matter where we are in life, we cannot ignore this call to turn our face to Him.

Final Practical Advice

-Take a pause and evaluate your life, not in terms of financial or secular success, but according to what God expects of you.

-Do not neglect to gather and involve your family. In difficult times, priorities become evident. Our fellowship as a church should be a priority, especially during challenging times.

-Participate in this time of fasting. The Lord has led us to have a fasting time every Saturday until our convention in January. I invite you to join, understanding that fasting is humbling ourselves before God and changing our way of life to please Him.

-Do not stop preaching the gospel. The passage from Isaiah speaks about what true fasting is, and it can practically be summarized as living and preaching the true gospel. Now that many things are shaken, more people genuinely open their hearts.

-Do not fear the future. Fear does not come from God. Remember, this is a call to humble ourselves and be faithful to the Lord. If we do so, He will also be faithful to us and our families.

God is faithful, and His mercies are new every morning