KEY SCRIPTURE: Mat 4:2 KJV “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred”.

We continue with our walk with Jesus through the gospels. After considering the Lord’s temptations we must also consider the fast he undertook as well. Fasting is a spiritual discipline in which one abstains from food, so he could focus on things of the Spirit. The Lord fasted for forty days and forty nights without food. During the Lord’s fast, He was tempted, yet he overcame it.

 Fasting is a means of humbling the soul Psalms 35:13 KJV” But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom”. The fast strengthens one’s resolve to keep the flesh under check. Note: the real aspect of one’s ability to hold himself or herself from doing wrong is a renewed mind, that is decided to please God.

Fasting also quickens an individual’s faith. When the Lord’s disciples could not cast out the deaf and dumb spirit from the boy, the Lord said, they could not do so because of their lack of faith. He then added that, this kind can go out only, by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21. The implication is that fasting strengthens faith. Fasting also generates supernatural power. Luke 4:14 KJV ” And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.” Among the many benefits of fasting is that, it also speeds up one’s healing from various ailments (Isaiah 58:8).

Despite the many benefits of fasting, it seems a number of Christians are very reluctant to fast. Fasting is not an option for the Christian. It is a demand from God.  Matthew 6:17 KJV “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;”

The word did not say if you fast, but when you fast. This means then, that the Christian must fast. Please note, that one of the essences of fasting is to humble the soul. This is achieved through the hunger and weakness the body goes through. Do not be afraid to feel hungry and weak. The most important aspect of the fast is to focus on God in prayer and meditating on the scriptures. Dear child of God, allow your mind to be renewed, your faith built up, and a great supernatural power generated in you, as you fast.

CONFESSION

Thank you, dear heavenly father for the privilege of fasting and prayer. My soul is humbled, yet made more stronger as I fast. My life is greatly enriched in many ways through fasting.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 4:14 KJV” And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.”

Isaiah 58:6 KJV” 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?