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. (Ezra 8:21)

During Lent season, we are encouraged to seek God, reflect upon our lives, our relationship with God. It is a season when we pause and seek renewal of our spirit, our strength and refocus our lives on the Lord. It is a season of preparation for the next level in our journey of faith and intimacy with the Lord.

We seek God through the spiritual disciplines of studying and meditating on God’s words, through regular prayers, through fasting. Fasting is not the same as hunger strike. Fasting is not trying to bend God’s arm to give us what we ask for. When the exiled Jews were preparing to return to Jerusalem, the Prophet Ezra called for a nationwide fast among the Israelites. The main focus and purpose of this fast was to “seek from the Lord the right way”, His way. They were traveling back to their homeland. They were planning for a new beginning, to enter into a new season. A life filled with hope was awaiting them. Though the journey ahead was tough, the challenges in this new and exciting life were unprecedented, they knew that healings and restoration await them. Against a background of such events, Ezra led the people into a fast: to seek God’s way.

When we reflect upon our lives and our future, we may find ourselves in dire need of God’s help and rescue. We can cry out to Him to do something for us, to make our path smooth and straight (at least, as much as possible). We may even have some specific ideas on how God might help us, and would suggest to Him in our prayers. However, let us learn from the example of Ezra. Let us first seek His way, for our lives (for us), that of our families and future generations (for our little ones) and for guidance in managing our resources (all our possessions). We can be confident that God’s way is also better. His way is the best for us. Let us in fasting, first and foremost seek His way, the right way to order our lives, to prepare us for greater fruitfulness and abundance.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

Prayer Focus

1. Confess and repent from all the sins, mistakes and folly which you may have committed against God, your family and your loved ones. Pray for God’s forgiveness and mercy.
2. Ask the Lord to forgive you if you have in any way squandered or failed to treasure the resources, relationships and giftings God has blessed you with. Pray for God’s mercy.