"This kind can come out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." - Mark 9:29

In Sansi I found Chinese Christians who were accustomed to frequently, alone and together, to spend time in fasting and prayer.  They recognized that this fasting, which so many dislike, which requires faith in God, because it makes one feel weak and poorly, is really a Divinely appointed means of grace. 

Perhaps the greatest hindrance to our work is our own imagined strength; and in fasting we learn what poor, weak creatures we are-dependent on a meal of meat for the little strength which we are so apt to lean upon.  However the blessing comes - we do find when we have a serious difficulty in China Inland Mission, and set apart a day of fasting God always intervenes.  He goes before us, and makes crooked places straight; He goes before us, and makes rough places plain.

If this principle of taking everything to God, and accepting everything from God is a true one-I think the history of the China Inland Mission proves that it is-ought we not to bring it to bear more and more in daily life?  The Lord's will is that al His people should be an unburdened people, fully supplied, strong, healthy, and happy. 

Obey in faith the conditions of the 1st Psalm, and you will surely be prosperous in all that you do-in everything domestic, in every business transaction, as well as in every spiritual service.  It is the Lord's will that His people should be as the children of a king.  Shall we not determine to "be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" bring those things that would become burdens or anxieties to God in prayer, and live in His perfect peace?  He is always gracious and tender.  "If we believe not, He abideth faithful; He cannot deny Himself." 

Reference: Hudson Taylor's Legacy, Selected and Edited by Marshall Broomhall