Fast Power
Are you really hungry for an answer to prayer? God offers us a powerful tool via fasting. On the surface it may appear like an odd thing to do, but not when we look closer.
It is contrary to natural reasoning to deplete yourself of energy when you need it, but the diminished physical strength is replaced by mysterious support. The principle is when we are weak God is strong, which may appear foolish. But it tells God "I am more hungry for you than for food."
Fasting is so thoroughly scriptural that genuine Christians cannot neglect it. It was the regular practice of the Israelites, Jesus, the early church, saints, and revivalists like John Wesley who would not ordain a man unless he fasted every Wednesday and Friday until 4:00 p.m. When the disciples couldn't heal an epileptic youth harassed by the enemy, Jesus replied that certain evil won't be expelled without fasting.
Benefits
- We Intentionally Do Nothing. This makes it clear it's God who works the results. He says to us "hold still while I operate."
- Highlights Dependence. This key. It reverses our natural tendency to take control. Paradoxically we receive more by fighting the desire for independence.
- Go by the Spirit. Effective fasts are often from specific things inhibiting your growth with God, rather than generic food fasts. Use time you would spend on meals for prayer, otherwise you're just starving yourself.
- Fringe. Benefits include strengthened will power, greater focus, detachment from petty worries.
- Team Fasts. For example, when a friend was having trouble finding a job for several months, he received the job offer the same day five of us agreed to fast.
Reward
I am a powerful, almighty God and I equip My people for freedom to love and to be loved. My plan never involves your oppression. I tell you to press in and draw near to Me.
Come, praise Me. At times, enact warfare prayer against the forces of the enemy that hold you and this world down. Prayer and fasting will put your focus back upon Me.
At times of duress, it is so human to seek one's own needs and to try to meet them in so many ways that never fulfill: avoidance, escape, worry, controlling, complaining, blaming. These are beyond you for it is not about you.
You are My vessels created by Me for honor and to share My glory. Amidst sorrow, in Me you'll find joy; in fear, I am your protection; in loneliness, I am your ever-loving companion and friend; in pain, your healing balm who comforts; in confusion, I am your wisdom.