A Day of Fasting by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 12, 1907

A Day of Fasting

By Arthur G. Daniells

In view of our great needs as a people, and in behalf of the Lord's cause in all parts of the world, the General Conference Committee feels impressed to call upon our people to observe the first Sabbath of the week of prayer as a day of fasting as well as a day of prayer.

From the Scriptures we learn that fasting has many times been made a part of the most sincere and heartfelt worship of the people of God. It has usually been connected with earnest supplications for deliverance from existing or approaching calamities, or for special victories in the Master's service.

On one occasion when Jesus had cast out an evil spirit which his disciples could not cast out, they asked the Master why they could not cast out the evil spirit. “Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matt. 17: 14-21.

We are now facing the perils of the last days. Every danger and evil design of the enemy in these perilous times must be met. Satan has come down with great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time left.

Surely and steadily the movement in all lands to oppress the remnant church which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, is gaining ground.

The spirit of selfishness, worldliness, and apostasy that has well-nigh ruined the glorious cause of the Protestant Reformation would also, if possible, destroy the cause of the remnant church under the third angel's message. We are surely in the shaking time of the message. Our faith, experience, and character are being tested to show what they really are.

But notwithstanding all these perilous conditions, the Lord is carrying forward his work in the earth. Never have there been greater opportunities for effectually proclaiming the gospel to all the world than there are to-day. And the needs of God's cause are far greater than can be met with the means now being contributed by his people.

These are some of the reasons why God's people should this year devote the first Sabbath of the week of prayer to humble fasting as well as to earnest prayer. And in doing this, we should do it with the fullest confidence that there is help for us. The cause is the Lord's, and we are his servants. He will hear prayer. He will do for his fasting, praying, believing people what needs to be done for them.

Pray that we may all have wisdom and strength to meet the mighty influences at work for religious legislation. Pray for our dear young men already suffering persecution. Pray for continued financial prosperity, that we may have means to advance the cause. Pray that the spirit of liberality may take possession of all our people, so that the treasury may be supplied with the means so greatly needed now. And as we pray, let us make a full personal surrender of all to God. A. G. DANIELLS.