Fast Power
Are you really hungry for an answer to prayer? God offers us a powerful tool via fasting. On the surface it may appear like an odd thing to do, but not when we look closer.
I. The Benefits
It is contrary to natural reasoning to deplete yourself of energy when you need it, but the diminished physical strength is replaced by spiritual power. The principle is that when we are weak God is strong and this sometimes appears foolish. It is telling God "I am more hungry for you than for food."
However, fasting is so thoroughly scriptural that genuine Christians cannot neglect it. It was the regular practice of the Israelites, Jesus, the early church, and spiritual revivalists like John Wesley who would not ordain a man unless he fasted every Wednesday and Friday until 4:00 p.m. When the disciples couldn't heal an epileptic youth harassed by the enemy, Jesus replied that certain evil spirits won't be expelled without fasting.
The key is that it highlights our dependence on God, reversing our natural tendency to take control. Paradoxically we receive more by fighting the desire to be independent of God. We intentionally do nothing making it clear it's God who works the results. He says to us "hold still while I operate."
Tips
The manner/degree is between you and God (since it is voluntary). but a typical fast is 24-hrs without food.
Effective fasts are often from specific things inhibiting your growth with God, rather than generic food fasts. Go by the Spirit.
Hunger pains are habitual. Be patient, they'll recede. Water helps the stomach think it's full.
Use time you would spend on meals for prayer, otherwise you're just starving yourself.
End the fast with a light meal, like salad/fruit. ("Breakfast" means "break-the-fast").
Other benefits:
- Strengthen Willpower. Fasts should not be done as a habit or merely for tradition, but to exercise our love muscle: the will! Strong lovers need strong wills.
- Focus. We are less distracted and more settled, so that we can hear the Father's voice.
- Prioritize. It helps put life in perspective. (We have trouble skipping one meal!) Drop the luggage lesser things.
Expect God to work, and that this sacrifice will bring you closer to him; otherwise you may relating to God too mechnically instead of personally.
Incidentally, fasting with others is especially powerful. For example, a friend was having trouble finding a job for several months. Five of us agreed to fast and the next day, while we were fasting, he received the job offer!
III. The Father's Reward
I am a powerful, almighty God and I equip My people for freedom to love and to be loved. My plan never involves your oppression. I tell you to press in and draw near to Me.
Come, praise Me. At times, enact warfare prayer against the forces of the enemy that hold you and this world down. Prayer and fasting will put your focus back upon Me.
At times of duress, it is so human to seek one's own needs and to try to meet them in so many ways that never fulfill: avoidance, escape, worry, controlling, complaining, blaming. These are beyond you for it is not about you.
You are My vessels created by Me for honor and to share My glory. Amidst sorrow, in Me you'll find joy; in fear, I am your protection; in loneliness, I am your ever-loving companion and friend; in pain, your healing balm who comforts; in confusion, I am your wisdom.