Fasting ForwardSample

Power through Fasting

God told Elijah to anoint Elisha to take his place. Elisha was behind a plough, working his father’s field. Elijah threw his mantle around Elisha, expressing God’s choice and calling. For years, Elisha faithfully served Elijah.

At Gilgal, Elisha was separated unto God’s service. When called, he killed his oxen and burned his plow. He did not plan on returning to his past. God calls us to turn from our old ways and be separated unto Him (2 Corinthians 6:17–18).

The next stop for Elisha and Elijah was the city of Bethel—a place of visitation. To become all God wants you to be, you must experience His visitation. It may come through a dream, a vision, a scripture, a prophetic message, a phone call, or a sermon. We can’t choose when or how God visits us, but we must be open to His supernatural work in our lives.

The journey continued with Jericho. There, Elijah and the school of prophets sought to discourage Elisha from continuing onward, but Elisha persevered. Elisha would later see great miracles at Jericho as he healed the cursed waters of the desperate city, but the full actualization of his destiny was just down the road. We, too, must pursue God’s promises.

Elijah went to the Jordan River and struck it with his mantle. The waters parted, and he was able to cross over on dry ground. This was a critical moment for Elisha, one of mortification. In crossing the Jordan, he left behind his home, past, and comfort zone in pursuit of God. Fulfilling God’s purposes requires the crucifixion of our will. When we die for His sake, we live.

Fasting is a way our flesh can die to our own will. When we fast, we declare, “Lord, I want You. I am willing to be broken to receive more of Your grace.”

God came through for Elisha. He not only received Elijah’s power but got a double portion. Elisha’s journey was worth it. He did not quit. He refused to be discouraged. He crossed the Jordan and entered into his destiny.

Elisha’s journey to fulfill his calling parallels the believer’s and the church’s transition into new dimensions of effectiveness in every generation. The Holy Spirit is ready to work fresh miracles through today’s church. Fasting helps us slow down to hear God’s voice, pursue Him, and experience a quantum leap forward.

For more on this subject or to download a free excerpt from Dr. Wilson’s book, Fasting Forward, please visit: https://drbillywilsonbooks.com/