June 12: Break Through in Difficult Situations

By Bassey Ekong

Fasting often brings about a breakthrough in difficult circumstances or in the lives of those resistant to the gospel. In the book of Joel, we read, “The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, the palm and the apple tree— all the trees of the field—are dried up. Surely the people’s joy is withered away.

Put on sackcloth, you priests, and mourn; wail, you who minister before the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth,

you who minister before my God; for the grain offerings and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.

Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders

and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God,

and cry out to the Lord.” (Joel 1: 12-14).
This seems like a depressing passage of Scripture, doesn’t it? It lists all the things that are lacking. Everything had gone wrong for the Israelites, but the Lord had the answer. He said, “Declare a holy fast.” Likewise, when nothing seems to be going right for us, God says, “Stop everything and consecrate yourself. Come to me.” “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2: 12-13).

Later God said in essence, “After you fast, get ready, because something good is going to happen. Start making some noise, because I’m getting ready to break forth.” (See Joel 2: 18-32). There will be a breakthrough in those difficult situations you’ve been struggling with. Make some noise and shout hallelujah to the Lord of host, in Jesus’ name. Note: After sincere fasting and prayer, God will respond with deliverance and blessing.

Let’s pray: Father, You are always there for my deliverance. Please help me turn to You and consecrate my heart through prayer and fasting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s reading: Ezra 3-5; John 20
Your Breakthrough is Sure When You Fast and Pray.