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Fasting Gets Results!
Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
Matthew 17:21: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Fasting has been described as merely abstaining from food and or water. However, it is much more than that. It helps us become spiritually in tune with ourselves and God. Furthermore it is included in our arsenal of spiritual weapons (II Corinthians 10:4) that are used to break yokes, loosen bands, undo heavy burdens and set the captive free. Don’t listen to those who would have you believe fasting does very little to change you or circumstances. According to God’s word fasting is designed to do just that! When Queen Esther and her people fasted they were loosed from oppression and delivered from annihilation (Esther 3-9), Elijah’s fasting resulted in deliverance from depression and facilitated his appointment to a new mission (I Kings 19), King Darius fasted and Daniel was delivered from the lion’s den (Daniel 6:18-22), Cornelius received revelation knowledge (Acts 10:30) and ultimately salvation for himself and his entire household. There are six very important things you must remember about fasting. 1) God acknowledges your sacrifice and awards you your petition (Joel 2:12, 13). Nineveh was spared from certain destruction after they repented and fasted (Jonah 3). 2) Jesus emphasized that when prayer is added to fasting it increases its impact (Matthew 17:21). 3) Fasting must have a specific purpose. You need to list for yourself what you want loosened, undone, delivered (set free) or broken (yokes, holds etc). 4) A fast can help you regain control. 5) Fasting is a private matter between you and God or a group of people and God. For this reason, you shouldn’t broadcast your fasting for you may lose out on the results you desire (Matthew 6:1). 6) When beginning your fast anoint your head and wash your face signifying its beginning. So whenever you are at a point where you need a breakthrough, deliverance, revelation or renewal and nothing seems to be working, make use of fasting coupled with prayer. It’s a formula that gets results!
Copyright 2004
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