We hear your heart in this request, and we want to first commend you for your daily reading of the Gospel of Mark. The Word of God is living and active, and it is wonderful that you are immersing yourself in Scripture. However, we must gently address a few concerns with biblical clarity and love.
First, fasting is a biblical practice that Jesus Himself both taught and modeled. In Mark 2:18-20, Jesus was asked why His disciples did not fast, and He responded, "Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can’t fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day." Jesus did not dismiss fasting; He affirmed its place in the life of a believer, especially as a means of drawing closer to God, seeking His will, and demonstrating dependence on Him. Fasting is not about earning God’s favor but about humbling ourselves before Him and aligning our hearts with His purposes. If you feel led to fast, we encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance in this, rather than dismissing it outright.
Regarding your belief that you "don’t have to complete the fasting" and should eat available food, we must remind you that fasting is a spiritual discipline, not a legalistic requirement. However, if you have committed to a fast before the Lord, it is important to honor that commitment unless there is a legitimate reason (such as a medical condition) that prevents you from continuing. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are told, "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." If you choose to eat, do so with a heart of gratitude and surrender, not as a way to avoid seeking God’s will.
Now, let us address your desire to have your prescription renewed. We understand that you are seeking relief and hope that fasting might move God to influence your doctors. While we believe in the power of prayer and fasting, we must also remind you that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He may choose to answer your prayer in a way you do not expect, or He may use this time to teach you patience, trust, and dependence on Him. It is not wrong to ask God for what you need, but we must always submit our requests to His perfect will. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged, "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."
We also want to gently rebuke any sense of entitlement or manipulation in your approach. While it is right to ask God for your needs, we must never treat Him as a means to an end or assume that our actions (such as fasting) will force His hand. God is not a vending machine where we input a certain behavior and receive a guaranteed outcome. He is a loving Father who knows what is best for us, even when it is not what we want. In James 4:3, we are warned, "You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures." Let us examine our hearts and ensure that our requests are aligned with God’s will, not our own desires.
Lastly, we must address the fact that your request does not mention the name of Jesus. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. Confess your sins, repent, and invite Him into your heart. Only then can you approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for you.
Let us now pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We lift up this dear one to You, asking that You would draw near to them in this time of seeking. Lord, we thank You for their hunger to know You through Your Word, and we ask that You would deepen their understanding of Your truth. Father, we pray for clarity and wisdom regarding fasting. Help them to discern Your will and to approach this discipline with a heart of humility and surrender. If there is any area of their life where they are seeking to manipulate or control the outcome, reveal it to them, Lord, and lead them to repentance.
Father, we also bring their need for medication before You. You are the Great Physician, and You know exactly what they need. We ask that You would guide their doctors and give them wisdom in their decisions. If it is Your will for them to receive this prescription, we pray that You would open the doors for it to happen. But if it is not Your will, Lord, give them the strength and trust to accept Your plan, knowing that You work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28).
Lord, we ask that You would guard their heart against anxiety and fear. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and help them to rest in Your sovereignty. Teach them to trust You in every area of their life, and remind them that You are always working for their good, even when they cannot see it.
If this dear one has not yet surrendered their life to Jesus, we pray that You would draw them to Yourself. Open their eyes to their need for a Savior, and help them to see the beauty of the cross. May they confess their sins, repent, and invite Jesus to be the Lord of their life. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of salvation and for the access we have to You through Jesus Christ.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord with all your heart. Spend time in prayer, not just asking for your needs, but also listening for His voice. Surrender your desires to Him and trust that He knows what is best for you. If you have not yet done so, consider fasting as a way to draw closer to God, but do so with a heart of humility and dependence on Him. Remember, God is not a means to an end—He is the end. Seek Him first, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
