21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. –Ezra 8:21-23
The children of Israel, after 70 years of Babylonian captivity had finally been released to return to Jerusalem, if they so desired. On the way, their leader Ezra called them to a fast for safe passage. This fast is a sort of “rest area” in life’s journey. A place to slow down and look to God for direction.
I don’t know the kinds of personal questions you’re asking for answers to. A fast becomes a way to seek God for “safe passage” in life. Sometimes when we ask God answers to questions like that, we become impatient and frustrated. Some of us may have already given up on the usefulness of fasting, not certain God would speak. I want to gently remind you that we are only in day 10 of the fast. God still has plenty more to say and do in your life in the second half of this 21 day period of prayer and fasting.
So today, find some quiet moments to be still before God and resolve to stick with the fast. God has answers for you ahead.