40 Days in the Gap

Encouraged? Share this post...

praying hands“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”

Ezekiel 22:30

The mood around our nation, even the world, is one of uncertainity.  Believers have not been immune to job losses or cut backs and economists are not projecting an end in sight to a deep recession that some have begun to call a great recession. Many of us have unbelieving loved ones, prodigal children, health issues, and other needs.God’s Word is clear:We are not to worry. (Matthew 6:25-34)

We are to trust in Him. (Psalms 20:7)

We are to look to Him for protection and provision. (Psalms 32:7, Psalms 46:1)

How do we allow God’s spirit and Word to penetrate the very marrow of our being? How can we be filled to overflowing with the confidence and boldness of Almighty God? How can God change us into the women of God He has called us to be if we rarely have time to catch our breath much less give time to grow our relationship with Him? It’s when life seems to be speeding by at a break-neck pace that we must stop.

We stop talking about God and we begin to talk to Him.

When Beba Schlottmann shared 20 Days in the Gap–a program she and husband Bryan had used with their church youth group, I knew this was the direction we should take too. Beginning January 1, 2009 through February 9, 2009 MMCW is asking everyone who would like to participate to join us in 40 Days in the Gap. 40 Days in the Gap is a call to prayer and fasting for:

Personal needs

Family  (spouse, children, extended family)

Friends and co-workers

Church

Community

State

Nation

World

40 Days in the Gap is a call to set aside things that distract us to focus on the Lord through fasting and make prayer a daily priority along with reading God’s Word. God says in 2 Chronicles 7:14-15:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”

While you do not have to do anything to join 40 Days in the Gap, you can share your prayer requests and praise reports by sending them to mentoringmoments@aol.com.  If you are a ladies’ ministry that would like to join with MMCW and commit to prayer, email mentoringmoments@aol.com and your ministry will be listed on the site as one of our prayer partners.

Fasting

What fasting is not:

* Withholding something from your life in order to make God respond the way you want.

What fasting is:

* Removing something you enjoy or like and replacing it with prayer and reading God’s Word.

* Removing distraction and listening for God’s direction and clarity. It’s not about getting our way, it’s about knowing His direction.

What can someone fast?

* Food is what most people fast, but it can be anything. Those with health issues should speak with their doctor before fasting food. A popular style of fast is the Daniel fast based on Daniel 1:12. This type of fast  has one eating fresh fruits and vegetables and removing such items as sweets and bread from their diet.

* Fasting does not have to be only food. Other things people have fasted are television (the entire thing or just favorite shows), phone (only essential calls and setting aside daily chats with friends), and hobbies.

How does one decide what to fast?

* Pray and ask for the Lord’s direction.

* Do NOT fast medications.

Do I fast for 40 days?

* It’s up to you and how the Lord directs you. Some may fast on and off throughout the 40 days while others may fast the whole time.

* Do pray for 40 days and commit to studying God’s Word.

Fasting sounds easy!

* Fasting is setting aside something for a specific period of time and focusing on prayer and reading God’s Word. It is not easy and there will be temptation. Spiritual warfare will increase as the call to fill the time with other things increases as well as the craving to return to what has been given up.

Recommended resources on fasting:

* Study what God’s Word says in regard to fasting.

* Fasting for Spiritual Break-Through by Dr. Elmer Towns

* God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis

About Kellie Renfroe

Kellie and her husband Greg have been married 32 years and have four children ranging in age from 17 to 28. She co-founded Mentoring Moments for Christian Women in 2005. Kellie is a homeschooling mom who enjoys reading, studying the Bible, writing, photography, and learning how to cook.

Encouraged? Share this post...

Kellie Renfroe

Kellie and her husband Greg have been married 32 years and have four children ranging in age from 18 to 28. She co-founded Mentoring Moments for Christian Women in 2005. Kellie is a homeschooling mom who enjoys reading, studying the Bible, writing, photography, and learning how to cook.

You may also like...