40 Day Fast Testimony by Pastor Bruno
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2Chronicles 7:14
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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Prior to Fasting
In the past few months, the Lord has been blessing and moving in our English congregation. We have experienced a degree of personal growth. Our church services have been good and the presence of God felt, but I would always leave with the feeling of God has more for us. A statement I found myself saying frequently after many church services from the pulpit was, “We are on the verge of a break through!” After a while, I was asking God, “When will the break through come?” Then God began to impress in me that I needed to fast. I normally fast once a week but it was clear that God was not talking about that. The impression was a 40 day fast. An extended time of sacrifice and discipline. I began to research 40 day fasts and the more I read, the more I realized this is what God wants me to do for the “Break through”.
The Lord has not revealed to me if I will be experiencing a personal break through or a corporate break through. The direction I have at this time is to fast 40 days for the English congregation of the Central Apostolic Church.
Over the past month I have been preparing my body for the journey. I began to eat much less then I normally have. Then I changed my eating habits and got away from processed foods and carbohydrates. After that, I limited how many times I ate a day.
I am now on the verge of beginning the 40 day fast and instead of dread, I feel very excited and have great anticipation of what God will do on this journey.
After the 40 Day Fast
It is hard to believe that 40 days has come and gone. It was only by the help of God that I was able to complete the 40 days of fasting. I wish I could say that it went by quickly, but I can say it was truly an experience. During the fast, I was expecting for heaven to open and God to speak to me face to face. It really wasn’t like that.
The fast was a physical time of sacrifice that I was constantly battling myself and my own weaknesses. As the weeks went by and my body broke down, it seemed I became very sensitive to everything. My experience was almost like a blind person who has heightened senses to make up for the lack of sight.
Due to a lack of food; my senses were on high alert. I could see past the exterior of people and see who they are on the inside. If someone was sad and tried to hide it, I could still feel their sadness. This awareness has aided me with understanding and helping many of the Brethren at the Central Church.
God also revealed to me that He has been longing for an intimate relationship with the Central congregation and He is anxiously waiting for us. Even though we may be committed to church and the things of God, it is the one on one that the Lord desires with us. We can do everything right but if we don’t spend time with the Master, we really can’t know Him.
We are anticipating great things to come in the near future and I pray that the Central congregation responds to God’s call so we can be chosen and trusted with heavenly treasures. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
If you have any questions during your fast or need guidance,
please email our English Pastor Roberto Bruno