The Nine Fasts God Can Use (Part 2)

Our fasting quote of encouragement today is from Bill Thrasher. He said: "It is accurate to say that Jesus does not command His followers to fast, but He certainly did expect fasting to be a part of their lives. Matthew 6 records His instructions about…fasting. The references to…“when you fast” clearly show His expectation that [this discipline] would be practiced by His people. In fact He plainly stated that after His departure from earth His followers “will fast."

Our fasting devotional today is part 2 of our series titled "THE NINE FASTS GOD CAN USE" from Elmer L. Towns in his book "Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough".

The second fast we will discuss is the Ezra fast.The purpose of this fast is to "undo the heavy burdens" --- to solve problems, inviting the Holy Spirit's aid in lifting loads and overcoming barriers that keep ourselves and our loved ones from walking joyfully with the Lord.The key verse of this fast is Ezra 8:23, "So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer."Here is a short overview: Ezra the priest was charged with restoring the Law of Moses among the Jews as they rebuilt the city of Jerusalem by permission of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, where God's people had been held captive. Despite this permission, Israel's enemies opposed them. Burdened with embarrassment about having to ask the Persian king for an army to protect them, Ezra fasted and prayed for an answer.