Let’s talk about fasting for a moment. Fasting is designed to refocus our life on God. It will empty you of you and fill you with Him. There is a power in fasting even aside from prayer. However, combined with an increased level of prayer, which is really its purpose, fasting will speed your growth, wisdom and fruitfulness in God. Obstacles come down as we realign ourselves to Him.
Fasting is an incredibly healthy spiritual discipline, bringing great benefit with it.
Instances of the use of fasting in scripture:
– for humility
I humbled myself with fasting Psalm 35:13
– making important decisions
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2
– releasing ministers
So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them (Saul & Barnabas) and sent them on their way. Acts 13:3
– for deliverance
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21
– for spiritual renewal
Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting … Daniel 9:3
– for answered prayer
So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8:23
David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 2 Samuel 12:16
There are moments in our lives where we need to relight a fire in our spiritual lives. The light has gone dim. Moments where we have settled for a slow or no growth zone. This is a great moment to decide to fast. It will contribute to relighting a fire in you for the Lord and putting you on the fast track again. Excuse the pun!
Go fast! Increase your spiritual life through this spiritual discipline.