December 1st marks the start of the Nativity Fast in the Indian Orthodox Church. We have to believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual weapon that our Lord has given us to destroy the strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual harvest around the world. At first we question the need of fasting and prayer “Is this truly God’s call for me?” But with each passing day, His call will grow stronger and clearer. Finally, we will be convinced that God has called us to fast, and He would not make such a call without a specific reason or purpose. With this conviction, enter the Nativity fast with excitement and expectancy mounting in our hearts, praying, Lord, what do you want us to do?”
As we begin to fast, our confidence in the Lord will help us. Each day His presence will encouraged us to continue. The longer we fast, the more we sense the presence of the Lord. The Holy Spirit refreshes our soul and spirit, and we experience the joy of the Lord as seldom before. Biblical truths leap at us from the pages of God’s Word. Our faith soars as we humble ourselves and cry out to God and rejoice in His presence. Fasting calls on the Holy Spirit and brings us to repentance, prayer and almsgiving.
We youths need to revive our commitment to fasting and prayer and the rest of the church will respond to this call. Spent time in reading God’s word and make your time with the Lord more spiritually rewarding. There is no point in fasting and prayer until it equips you for spiritual awakening. Hope this Nativity Fast will not slip by without having made a genuine effort to prepare ourselves for the incarnation of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
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