“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)
Fasting is a willful abstinence from pleasure (food, drink and other physical distraction) for spiritual purposes. It is an act of faith, led by the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus was led by the Spirit to fast, and after the fast, His ministry took off, and He became a threat to the kingdom of darkness. He said greater works than what He did shall we do (John 14:11-12). While He was on the earth with His disciples, it was not necessary for His disciples to fast (Luke 5:34). Now that He is in heaven, we fast. We are not fighting a physical battle; that is why we must align ourselves spiritually. People fast for various reasons. For example, for direction, revelational knowledge, their ministry, finances, health, business, family, career, or education.
During a fast, you should meditate on scriptures focusing on the reason(s) for the fast, listen to inspired messages, and read Christian literature allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you. Have worship, praise, and prayer sessions. The purpose of fasting is not to get God to do something for you. Fasting fine-tunes your spirit to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s counsel and direction. During times of fasting, you should pray in accordance with 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and Isaiah 58:6-7.
According to Isaiah 58:8-12 and Isaiah 40:3, some of the benefits of fasting include the following: your light will break forth in the morning, meaning you will receive revelational knowledge; you will walk daily in divine health with renewed strength; the Lord will hear your petition and answer your requests; God will make fat your bone, which signifies spiritual maturity; and you will walk on your high places (places of power, wisdom, and honor).
PRAYER/CONFESSION
Dear Father, I thank you renewing my strength like the eagle, with supernatural abilities, to rise above every storm or challenges of life. I live purposefully in the name of the Lord Jesus.
WISDOM NUGGET
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:8-12 (NIV)