The Power Of Two

 ^“For where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.”  Matthew 18:20

How it All Started…

When Wendy and I started our partnership of fasting and prayer it wasn’t because we had some brilliant brainstorm.  God called us.  Was it an audible announcement? No, it was that still small whisper in our minds.  I heard “I want you to fast and pray”.  I said “ok God, sounds good…will do, when I get around to it that is”.  Oh my, when I look back on some of the delays and disobedient choices I just want to hide my face.  I go into these mental comments of “I blew it, no chance for me to ever do anything of worth for the Lord, “L” for Loser tattooed on my forehead…   At times like that I hear God again.  In His mercy and love He says, “Confess, let me transform you and get you back on track.  Pity parties don’t help you get where I want to send you”.  Thankful that His forgiveness has no expiration date I do what He says and not only do I feel purified; I get renewed strength to follow Him where He wants me to go.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

Wendy on the other hand was quick to obey.  She demonstrated that by calling me right away when God prompted her.  She had a friend who was going to fast and pray with her one day a week and that person had to back out.  “Was I willing to join her?” she asked.   This time I knew better than to take it at my own pace.  This was confirmation to what I had heard and I chose to obey by saying yes.  That was 13 years ago now and God has given us so much more than we have given up on those days each week.

Why It’s Better with Two…

Why partner in prayer and fasting you ask?  The benefits are plentiful.  Accountability, strength, someone to confide in, someone to pray for your needs and the needs of your family with like passion, someone to take your requests before the Lord for you when you are suffering and can’t seem to form a sentence, even in prayer.  Oh yes, and someone to laugh with, cry with and think about when you are so tempted to break your fast and grab the chips and salsa.  When I know Wendy is being faithful it inspires me to be faithful.  And when the temptation persists, we can gently remind each other of the power of God in our lives to sustain us.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:18-21

(You may need to camp out on Ephesians 1:18-21 for a while, especially the part about the same power that God exerted when He raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us.  If we aren’t seeing that power exhibited in our lives it might be because we don’t truly believe what this verse says.  Let me assure you, God’s word is truth and this power is ours in Christ!)

Finding Your Fast Friend…

You can’t think of anyone who you would partner with?  Well then this is a perfect opportunity to try fasting a meal, or Facebook time, or a TV show and go to the Lord and ask Him to reveal that person.  Fasting and prayer is a spiritual discipline that honors God, draws you into deeper relationship with Him and brings answers to your prayers.  He is certainly not going to hold any good thing back from you.  If you ask Him, he will provide.

Wendy and I have never lived in the same state.  We share our requests by text, email or phone.  God has blessed this partnership and He can do the same for you.  If you seek Him you will find Him.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

What are you waiting for…?

So there you have it.  This is our testimony based on an invitation from the creator of the universe.  I can’t help myself, one more verse to try and entice you.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

If you are questioning whether or not God has called you to seek him, call to Him or that He will speak to you, then read those last two verses again.  He wrote those for all of us…He wrote that for you.  How can you possibly resist?