“But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭21‬-‭26‬ ‭‬‬

There is no indication that Paul’s abstinence from food was an intentional time of fasting. As a prisoner, there may have been rationing due to the storms they were sailing through. We only know Paul abstained from food for a long time and then an angel of the Lord came to him. In the message, Paul was given he was reminded of his mission. Paul told those with him they would live and that they needed to run the boat ashore of a specific island.

What can I learn about fasting from this passage?

• When we abstain from eating there is the potential of receiving from God spiritually.
• God will point us back to His mission for our lives.
• God’s instruction may be for others also.
• God’s instructions may be very specific.

Lord, You know I don’t like to miss a meal unless it is for You. Help me to hear Your voice. Help me to stay focused on Your mission for my life. If You need to speak instructions to me for someone else, please make it clear to me to share it as specific. In Jesus name, amen.