Fast forward…
Photo by Luke Richardson on Unsplash
As we begin this New Year focusing on prayer, I want to add another practice for us to focus on.
Fasting.
Jesus teaches us often about combining prayer and fasting. He uses stories and parables to show us the power of these things combined.
Praying and fasting should be our first line of defense and offense when faced with a prayer need.
Often, however, it is our last thought.
In the book of Matthew, the disciples come across a desperate father. The man’s son is riddled with mental illness and seizures.
The father is desperate for his boy’s healing, as we all would be.
However, the disciples were confused and frustrated when their attempts to heal the boy did not work.
When they brought the boy to Jesus, He was able to heal him.
Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well. Matthew 17:18
The disciples were bewildered and asked Jesus why in the world they were not able to heal the boy.
This is His response…
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
HOWEVER, the verse does not end here. Here is the rest of that scripture that we often overlook!
Jesus continues that sentence saying…
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21
Wow!
Jesus has just unlocked the biggest treasure chest for us with this one tiny verse!
Prayer and fasting.
Both combined.
A deadly duo!
In today’s culture, fasting has become a dieting hack. Many of us have tried or still trying intermittent fasting.
Science has even proved that fasting is good for us! It re-sets the body so that it is able to heal itself better.
However, biblical fasting is a whole different kind of powerhouse.
When we give up things and food for a period of time…and we put prayer in the place of those things, it greatly honors God.
It also has the ability to move mountains as Jesus tells us in verse 20!
Why is this so powerful?
I believe it is because food is such an idol in our world.
Everything revolves around food.
You know this to be true if you have ever dieted or fasted. All you think about is food!
When we give up something for a time being in order to pray, it shows our desperation and our willingness to go without something we enjoy, to receive something even better from God.
The Bible tells many many stories of fasting.
Before Jesus began His ministry, He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Can you even imagine??
Soon after His fast, He gave the greatest sermon of all time…The Sermon on the Mount.
Fasting as a Christian is a spiritual discipline we often overlook.
Sadly, we miss out on God’s greatest blessings and answers to prayer when we neglect this practice.
I am guilty. I definitely have not always been faithful in this area.
However, I can attest with one hundred percent truthfulness, the times I have fasted have brought amazing answers to prayers.
Sometimes those prayers are answered while I am fasting, and sometimes months and maybe years after the fast.
Is there a prayer that you desperately need answers? Is there something you need peace about? Are you searching for wisdom and clarity over a situation? Is there a relationship that needs restoring? Are you or a loved one in need of healing of some sort?
Pray and fast.
Pray and fast.
Pray and fast.
As you do this, search your Bible for fasting stories. There are many! Then, be encouraged!
God sees. God hears. God answers.
If you are new to fasting, start small. Talk to God and ask Him what He desires you to remove for a time.
He will show you!
Goodness, I cannot wait to hear from you on this journey.
Please, please let me know your prayer and fasting stories so that I can be encouraged!
There is no “right” way to fast. It is very personal and it is between us and God.
So you do not have to try to be perfect at this. It is more about our hearts. That is what God is after!
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
asking God to move mountains,
jill
