CHICKEN DINNER
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will
of God, you will receive what He has promised."  Heb. 10:36

      What is the purpose of fasting?  Who is called to fast?  I know there are many references to fasting in the Bible.  How does it apply to my life?  At various times I have been told to fast by certain leaders.  Since I had a clouded view of the concept of fasting, I was somewhat perplexed by it all.  Upon studying the Scriptures for answers to my question on the subject, I found no clear-cut reason for me to fast just because someone said I should.

      Early I my Christian walk, I inquired about fasting from a dear lady who used to be counselor for Oral Roberts' Ministry. "People fast in order to hear from God," she said, "but you do not need to fast because you already hear from God."  So, if I would just listen to the Lord, and obey Him, I'd be on a trouble-free course.  Since I do not always stay on track, and at times, take matters into my own hands, I would like to tell you about a surprising incident that happened to me concerning this business of fasting.

      R.J. and I were attending a particular church and I was satisfied to stay right there, that is, until one day the Lord told me to leave that church.  R.J. was quite upset with me and said, "God didn't tell me to leave, so I'm staying put."  I replied "Very well, I'll stay home until you decide to leave, too."  Week after week he went off to that church alone while I watched church services on TV.  This was not a satisfactory arrangement, and I was becoming more and more discontent.

      After a while I began to wonder if I had really heard God correctly, though, at the time I felt quite sure.  One Sunday after R.J. left for church, a brilliant idea came to me, and I exclaimed excitedly, "I will call a fast today and see what happens!"

      I rushed to the kitchen and picked up the chicken I was defrosting for dinner, thinking, I'll serve R.J. that left-over casserole for his dinner.  As I was returning the chicken to the freezer, I heard a voice as clear as day, but not audible, say, "I did not call a fast.  Take that chicken out of the freezer and cook a nice dinner for you husband.  Watch and see what I will do."

      Although I was puzzled by all this, I knew the importance of obedience to what God tells me to do from previous experiences.  However, I did exclaim indignantly, "Well!  The only time I ever called a fast, The Lord calls it off!"

      When R.J. came home from church and walked in the front door, he had a big smile on his face.  I thought, oh, oh. what is he up to now.  To my astonishment, he announced, "I have decided to leave that church and go where God tells you we should attend.  I know you hear from God."

      You can imagine how delighted and relieved I was at this news.  I exclaimed, "Thank You, God!  You are wonderful!"  In spite of all the badgering from R.J., my waiting and persevering came to a happy ending.  From this incident I have concluded that the dynamics of fasting are not nearly as important as obedience to God, and, 'waiting upon the Lord.'  I do not claim to have any theological reasons for my conclusion.  But I do know that the Scripture I Samuel 15:22 does back up my reasoning:  "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as obeying the voice of the Lord?"

      I would suppose the best course of action would be that each person should inquire of the Lord whether He has called him to fast.  I can only speak for myself.  Therefore, until I receive a clear word from God, I doubt if I will do any fasting.

      However, if the Lord says, "Cook a chicken dinner", you can be sure I will obey!