It takes prayer and fasting to bring and cause God’s will to be accomplished on earth as it is in heaven. If we fail to pray, the god of this world will dominate and manipulate us to carry out his will instead of God’s will. The are also challenges that cannot be addressed by a brief, short prayer.
“You cannot roast green maize by passing it through the fire”. Fasting is a Christian discipline that should be cultivated to enhance and enrich our fellowship with God. We should note that we do not arm-twist God by our fasting. Instead, it brings us to a point of humility, brokenness and complete dependence on God. As Christians we are expected to fast just like we are expected to pray and give.
In Matthew 6:16-17, Christ used a pronoun ‘When’ and not ‘if’, indicating that fasting is not optional for Christians; there are times we are required to fast. Fasting is a sacrifice and it is ordained by God to help us achieve various benefits. It is a sign of humility; 1 Kings 21:27-29. Humility is acknowledging that God is sovereign and that we are mortals; who are always in need of His mercy.
Since God has promised His grace to the humble, it is important that we fast so that we receive it. Fasting is a way of seeking the presence of God; Luke 5:33-35, Jesus told the disciples that they would fast once He was taken away from them. This meant that fasting was a means through which they would seek His presence. Fasting gives spiritual direction; It is important to understand the purpose and the will of God upon our lives.
When Jehoshaphat declared a fast, God gave him a divine strategy and direction which led to overthrowing the enemy (2 Chronicles 20) We fast to overcome the flesh; Galatians 5:17-18 “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Since the flesh derives its strength from food, it is weak when we deprive it. Fasting enhances brokenness which is necessary for us to walk with God. We fast to accomplish God’s purpose; Virtually everyone in the Bible who accomplished God’s purpose or assignment fasted. Moses, Jesus, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, Ezra, David, Paul, Peter and others fasted. It is fasting that contributed to their victory and fulfilling God’s purpose. Fasting empowers and gives one the capacity to fulfill the divine assignment.
Deliverance from powers of darkness; Mark 9:29 ‘’This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting’’. It is through fasting that the wrong strongholds and foundations in families are broken and the right ones restored or rebuilt. For the Fulfillment of God’s promises; It is deception to think that God will accomplish what He has promised in your life without your participation.
When God speaks, wisdom dictates that we go to Him, seek to understand the role or part He expects us to play so that what He has promised does not delay. “God does nothing on earth, unless in answers to prayer”. Prayer and Fasting brings financial breakthrough; Joel 2:15, 18-27, States that God’s people should declare a fast so that people may seek the face of God.
In return, He promises great restoration and provision. Thus, when people fast, they place themselves where God’s provision and prosperity will be available for them. Fasting should be treasured; it is a must for every believer. Blessings.
No Comments Yet...