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Hunger

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 (NASB)

Hannah had always wanted a child but now she was “hungry” for one. The kind and quiet Hannah was now not eating and weeping in desperation. She continued to pray at the temple, seeking God for a child. Eli, the priest, sees her praying. She is speaking to God directly from her heart. Her lips were moving but there were no words. Eli thinks she is drunk and questions her character. Once again, Hannah does not respond with bitterness or argument. Her response should be our goal. But Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord,” 1 Samuel 1:15 (NASB).

Hannah was hungry for God to move in her life. Her desire was so strong it pushed her away from the table and on her knees before God. Her hunger to see God move held her tongue and turned her words into prayer. Her hunger for what God had for her kept her waiting for God’s perfect time and His pace. Her hunger for God to have control in life kept her faith alive. Her hunger for a move of God drove her to sacrifice her fleshly desires and focus only on Him.

When you are this hungry for God, you can’t be artificial. The yearning you have in your heart is real and you are willing to put all aside for God’s Will and God’s Time. The excuses slip away as you look to satisfy your hunger. The physical hunger turns into a spiritual hunger. Your only desire is to see God move, to feel His presence and spend time in worship and prayer. A hunger this strong has to be satisfied. Hannah satisfied her hunger for God on her knees, in the temple away from worldly distractions and frustrations. Her hurt, anger, sorrow and pain were taken to the alter for the only one who could meet her needs and satisfy the hunger inside. You must do the same.

The fast you have committed to this month can only be successful when you allow your physical hunger to turn into spiritual hunger. Your belly is going to growl and the devil will try to distract you and tell you it is okay to “cheat” on your goal. Only hunger to see God move in a miraculous way will keep you pushed back from the table and on your knees. Join Hannah and keep your eyes and thoughts on Him.

I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Psalm 143:6 (NASB)

Bible Reading: John 6:26-40

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