Fasting & Praying GuideSample

There are only three characters in the Bible who are said to have fasted for forty days: Moses (Exod. 34:28), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and Jesus (Matt. 4:2). It should strike us as no coincidence, then, that these very three show up at the time when Jesus is transfigured before His disciples (Matt. 17:1–3). Only this time, the glory of God is clearly shown forth in Jesus Himself.

Reflection:

Elijah’s fast is a unique and puzzling one. He is at the end of his rope, in total despair, when the Lord provides him with a miraculous meal that sustains him for 40 days as he flees. Yet, even after this divine provision, Elijah remains despondent. The Lord asks him a second time, “Why are you here?” while continuing to perform miracles all around him—miracles that Elijah seems unable to see or fully grasp. He lacks the perspective, insight, or faith to understand what God is doing on his behalf and for Israel.

Sometimes, during our own fasting, we find ourselves in similar places—uncertain of where things stand or why they aren’t unfolding as we think they should. We can’t even answer, “Why am I here?” But like Elijah, even without all the answers, we must listen to God’s voice and trust Him step by step.

In His sovereignty, God worked all things together for good in Elijah’s life, ultimately including him in the glorious transfiguration alongside Jesus.

During a fast, I often feel weak, tired, unclear, and at the end of my rope. I’m not on my game. But time and again, I’ve realized that God doesn’t need me at my best—He needs me at my most dependent on Him, so He can bring about His glorious outcomes.

Where in your life is God asking you to trust Him, even when you feel weak or unclear about the path forward?