The Reward

Warriors Arise: January 15, 2024

Matthew 6:16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

There is something this verse that compels me to act differently when I fast. I have a few rules in place. These aren't necessarily Biblical. They are what I do to make sure I get the most out of the fast I have been called to.

1. Absolutely, under no circumstances will I allow myself to complain about not being able to eat.

2. I will not tell others I am fasting. This can get tricky. So, I need to explain. Obviously, my family needs to know. There are events when I can't get out of the room fast enough and so I have had to tell someone why I am not eating. What I mean is that I do not announce it to the world. I am not looking for them to give me a gold medal and I am not looking for sympathy. I would prefer if I could fast without anyone knowing. People act funny once they know. There is the occasion when people have then waved food in front of my face to tempt me. The Bibles said something about that as well. We are either weapons in the hand of God or we are a weapon in the hand of the enemy. When they are trying to tempt me, they are not aligned with God. They are EGR people; Extra Grace Required.

3. I will fast to put myself aside, be cleansed, and hear God clearly.

4. The time I would normally take to prepare and eat a meal is the time I now give to the Lord. When I fast it is about getting more time before my King, in His presence, listening to His voice. It generally is not about my prayer list or concerns. Those are presented in my "normal/daily" time with God.

5. If the enemy harasses me about eating, I tell him to zip it or I will add another day to my fasting. If he is stealing the time I have set aside to hear God, then I will add another day to make sure I hear everything God wants to tell me.

6. No phone, computer or electronics while I am meeting with God. I might have a CD player for worship.

7. I have my Bible, journal, pens and highlighters.

8. I generally meet in a new place. I do not meet with God in my "daily" meeting place. For a fast, I have to reposition myself. It keeps me alert and fresh when I am in a different place. Honestly, it can seem a little awkward at first. Awkward is okay. It gives me the basis for not slipping into the mundane or a robotic relationship with God.

9. My kids can interrupt me any time. I could be on a business call or ministry or talking with Scott; but when I am fasting and have gone behind closed doors to meet with God, they are not to interrupt me (unless someone is bleeding so bad they think I will have to take them to the hospital).

It is a waste of my time if I fast to get a reward from people. They can't even come close to giving me what God can. The list above was been developed over the years. You may have a few more on your list.

I do not need a reward from people. When I hear God, I will have the reward I seek. His leading, guiding, and counsel are far more important than anything in life. His word is a lamp until my feet and a light until my path. I will listen and follow the light.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. I truly enjoy the time we are together in fasting. I am thankful You desire to lead me. I look to You and listen. I will honor the time You call me to fast. I will set aside the time and call upon Your strength. In my weakness You are strong. I will seek You. I do not desire the rewards of man. I desire the reward of my King and my God. I will make time for You and come away with You. I will position myself before You and hear Your voice. I will then walk in the way You have counseled me in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

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