Matthew 4:4 NIV

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, ventured into the wilderness for 40 days and nights, where

He fasted and prayed. Intriguingly, as this period concluded, when physical weakness may have set in, the enemy, the tempter, sought to undermine the grace cultivated during this fasting season. The enemy's tactics remain unchanged.

Be aware that the enemy aims to hijack your fasting week, attempting to derail you and undermine your confidence and courage to press in for more. Resist him, following the example of Jesus. Counter his efforts using the word of God to render his temptations powerless.

Jesus proclaimed that the sustenance he valued above a crusty, hot, freshly baked loaf of bread (as we may also be dreaming of food) was to live and hunger for every word that comes from the mouth of God.

The Greek word for "Word" is rhema, often translated as the spoken, revealed word of God. During this fasting week, when food cravings arise, seek a rhema from the Lord. It could be a word about an unfulfilled desire in your heart, a struggling family member, a financial situation requiring wisdom, or a hunger to discern what is on the heart of the Lord this day. Regardless, wait and listen.

Choosing to live with a pursuit of His rhema is a commendable decision. It propels your life toward deeper encounters with God. Cultivating a listening ear to hear from the Lord daily enriches life, and great fruit will grow in and through you as you apply His rhema.

Yes, the hunger pangs are real, and the absence of a chosen aspect of life may be felt. However, when you press in to hear His rhema, the Word of God will come alive, His small, quiet whisper will draw near, or He may speak through another. Lean in and understand that true life will manifest through you. His rhema brings true life, fulfilling your soul like nothing else and satisfying you beyond your favourite food, every time.