FIRST OF THE YEAR FAST

January 1-10, 2024

Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.  22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.  Ezra 8:21-23

One of the many blessings that we enjoy as God’s children is the privilege of receiving God’s guidance in life.  Solomon, the wise king of Israel said, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  With so much ahead of us, it is crucial for the Mount Pisgah Church family to receive God’s direction for us.  That’s why everyone is asked to join us in a ten-day fast, beginning on January 1, 2024.  

At a critical time in the life of God’s people who had been exiled in Babylon for decades, Ezra the priest calls a fast for God’s people.  They had been given permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.  The trip ahead of them was over 500 miles, covering several months, and they would face threats along the way.  Although they had the blessing and protection from King Cyrus of Persia, they still faced danger and uncertainty.  Prior to their departure from Babylon, Ezra calls the people to humble themselves before God to seek a right way for them, for their children, and their possessions.  Ezra did not want to rely on the king’s protection, especially after mentioning that God would take care of them.  They fasted and God answered their prayer.

As we begin 2024, let us fast and pray to God for a right way for us, for our families and the direction that God has established for the ministry.  God has called us to this time and season, and we do not want to miss God as we move forward.  Therefore, everyone is asked to fast for at least the first six hours of the day.  For those who have medical reasons for not fasting, the sacrifice of something important to the daily routine can be used as a substitute.  For example, giving up watching television, or using a cellphone, or coffee during the can be used as a substitute.  Everyone is asked to give up sweets and bread during the ten-day fast.  

We believe that as we acknowledge Him, God will direct our paths.