September 23
“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
Whenever there was a trouble, or a need, or a decision to be made – they fasted along with their prayers. How can we do any less?
Fasting is no easy thing, yet it was practiced throughout the Gospels. It’s mentioned in the “Old Testament” too. When Queen Esther realized she had to risk her life by going into the presence of the king on behalf of her people, she called for a three-day fast.
There is supernatural power in fasting. Believers throughout the Scriptures wouldn’t think of doing anything serious without first coming before God in fasting and prayer. The great men of God who brought on the great revivals were men of fasting and prayer.
If you’re in a quandary or facing an important decision, or if you’re interceding for someone, make fasting a regular part of your life.
Don’t do “partial fasts,” or fasts of something else that you enjoy – don’t call these “fasting.” Fasting is the abstinence of ALL FOOD for a period of time you’ve determined.
A fast should be no less than 24 hours, don’t cut it short because it’s difficult. We are, however, to be careful about fasting. Don’t do it without drinking water, and don’t attempt it at all if there is a medical reason you should not fast.
The results of fasting can be powerful. It can break the yoke of bondage and set a person free.
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the heavy burdens,
to let the oppressed go free,
and that you break every yoke?”
Isaiah 58:6
