Legend has it that a man was lost in the desert with no more water to drink. Parched by the scorching sun and knowing his time for survival was growing short, he staggered over a dune and saw the remains of a shack left to the elements years ago.
Looking for anything that would assist his survival, he saw an old rusty water pump. With what little remaining strength he possessed, he began to pump the handle up and down, up and down. No water came out.
He slumped beside the old pump, assuming the end had come, when he noticed a jug covered with dust and cobwebs. He wiped the dirt and grime away and there was a message attached to the jug which read,
“You have to prime the pump with all the water in this jug, my friend.
P.S. Be sure you fill the jug again before you leave.”
He shook the jug and, sure enough, it was full of water. But now he had a decision to make. Would he drink the water or use it to prime the pump? If he drank the water ,his thirst would be quenched; but if he poured the water down the pump, it could yield cool water from deep down, and all the water he wanted.
He took the time to think about his choices. Drink it? Risk it? Have it now? Enjoy an abundance?
Reluctantly, he poured the water into the old pump. Grabbing the handle he began to pump with all his remaining strength. Pump, pump, squeak, squeak! Nothing. So he tried again--pump, pump, squeak, squeak! Then to his surprise--first a dribble, then a slow flow, and finally, water began to gush! The cool water promised on the old jug was really there. So he refilled the jug first and then drank to his heart’s content.
Before he left the old pump he added this to the note on the jug,
“Believe me, it really works.
You have to give it all away before you can get anything back.”
And so it is with Fasting and Faith, which go hand in hand; you can't remove one from another. You just might have to give it all away before you get anything back, but what you get back will be more valuable than anything you could possibly know on this earth.
When you fast by faith, you don’t know what your fasting will accomplish, but you have this promise that God sees and hears the prayers and sacrifices of his followers. And you will get something of eternal value flowing from the well of your soul.
Jesus promised, “Whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:38) If you will pour yourself out completely for Him, the One Who makes this promise to you will be faithful to prime the pump.
I'll meet you at the Throne,
Pastor George
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