David Bereit on Fasting

The scripture verse most often cited in relation to
40 Days for Life offers a classic if/then statement.
IF we humble ourselves and pray, God tells us in 2
Chronicles 7:14, THEN He will hear from heaven and
heal our land.

There is a reward, but there is also a price. If we
focus on the reward, but neglect to pay the price…
well, in the end there is no reward.

God has promised to heal our land, but FIRST we must
humble ourselves and pray.

That is the primary focus of 40 Days for Life –
prayer, coupled with fasting.

Prayer, because with God all things are possible. And
fasting because scripture tells us that some demons
can only be driven out through prayer AND fasting.

Prayer and fasting can be humbling experiences –
especially prayer offered in a public location such
as the sidewalk on a busy street in front of an
abortion facility.

But it’s worth it!

It was worth it for the volunteer who had no car, but
who regularly took public transit to pray at the
abortion facility — a route that required transfers
to four different trains and finally a bus — because
he was called to action on behalf of those who
couldn’t help themselves.

It was worth it to the man who lost his job right
before a 40 Days for Life campaign, and took it as
his duty to stand vigil at the abortion center for 19
hours a day to challenge the evil taking place in his
community.

It was worth it to the campaign director whose family
lost their home to foreclosure during a 40 Days for
Life campaign. However, she kept her commitment to
keep speaking out for the unborn and was able to help
save many lives.

At the center of the call to participate in 40 Days
for Life is a call to sacrifice. It’s hard. But it’s
necessary — and it’s worth it. God has promised
victory… IF we will humble ourselves and pray.
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SCRIPTURE
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“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 I will hear from heaven, and
forgive their sin and heal their land.”
– 2 Chronicles 7:14