Fasting in the Bible Day 3: Jehoshaphat

After this, the people of Moab, Ammon and the Meunites came to make war against Jehoshaphat. Some people reported to Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom, beyond the Dead Sea, is marching against you. And they are already in En Gedi.^“ Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD. He proclaimed a fast and the people from all the cities of Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD. Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the temple of the LORD’s new courtyard, and said, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God from the heavens? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand and no one can stand against You!” … Standing with him before the LORD were all the men of Judah, with their infants, their wives and their children. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel, a Levite priest. He said, “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem, the LORD says, ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours but God’s. March against them tomorrow. They will be climbing up the pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in the desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Get ready, stand firm and see how the LORD will save you, Judah and Jerusalem.’ So, do not be afraid or discouraged, for tomorrow the LORD will be with you.” Jehoshaphat bowed, face down to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem also fell down in worship of the LORD. Some Levite priests then stood up, and with loud shouts, praised the LORD God of Israel. The army rose early in the morning to go out to the desert and Jehoshaphat said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will stand firm. Believe He has spoken through His prophet and you will succeed.” Then he appointed singers in holy attire to walk ahead of the army, singing, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” When they began singing, the LORD caused the army of the people of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir to fight among themselves, and they all died. 2 Chronicles 20: 1-6, 13-22

Many things happened when Jehoshaphat called a fast to seek the LORD about the army coming against them:

Everyone came and fasted. Jehoshaphat prayed publicly. Everyone prayed with him. Jahaziel shared a word from God. Jehoshaphat and the people kneeled and worshiped God. Some of the priests shouted their praise.

So, when Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, the LORD answered their prayer.

It all started with fasting! The people fasted and that prepared them to pray and connect with God. Their fast was to receive answers regarding the army camped against them and boy, did they receive an answer! They followed through and they were saved.

Simple, right?

No matter what kind of fast God calls you to, do it with a spiritual consciousness. Praise Him. Listen to what He says. Follow through and watch Jesus continue to work in your life.

What kind of fast might God call you to commit to? Start small but be faithful.

LORD God, help me to say No to something I think I can’t live without. And Yes to You! I know You will hear me and I will listen. Amen.