What are the benefits?
Scripture gives strong importance to fasting and praying. This spiritual discipline was practiced by Moses, Elijah, Esther, Paul, Nehemiah, Cornelius, David, Hannah, etc. and most of all Jesus, our God. Throughout the Old and New Testament eras and during the last two thousand years, fasting & prayer has been the primary way for people to humble themselves. Jesus will hear us and respond to our prayers when we come before Him in humility and brokenness. We must acknowledge and repent of our sins. (Psalm 51:1-17)
Benefits:
Fasting humbles the natural man, which helps our mind to be come more sensitive to Divine instruction. It is not only an act of self-denial but also submission to Jesus’ will. Fasting & prayer brings revelation of the Word of God. It gives knowledge to a person’s true condition (Psalm 58:3) - causing brokenness, repentance, and a mind to change. It illuminates the scripture. Fasting transforms our prayers into a richer experience filled with (Answers, Results, Positive Change and Freedom); it brings personal revival which will spill over into our church, family and community.
Examples:
Results came to Israel when they fasted and prayed.
– Nehemiah fasted and the walls were rebuilt around Jerusalem. (Nehemiah chapter 1)
– Cornelius fasted and he and his family was saved. (Acts 10:30-48)
– Mordecai and Esther saved themselves and the nation of Israel by fasting. (Esther chapter 4)
Do we want results and delivering power? If so …
Then we must sacrifice and fast in these last and evil days of troubled families, nations, and the world. We need praying and fasting Saints on the behalf of others, in hope of their salvation. The results of many great revivals in scriptures began with men and women dedicating themselves to fasting and praying.
Our fast should always have a purpose. A true spiritual fast brings about results.
The chosen fast in Isaiah 58:6-14 give us these purposes for fasting: We must understand that it is not just a food & drink free period we go through. It is to weaken the bands of iniquity by removing the control and effects of sin from dominating/manipulating our life so we can receive and apply the Word of God.
Jesus expects and requires fasting from us.
Our two biggest enemies are satan and our flesh. Both are weakened by fasting. Our flesh must be put under subjection so Jesus can have the preeminence (supreme authority) in our life.
Fasting & Prayer: Increases Our Witness.
Fasting & prayer will enable us to better reach the lost sinners. We should not fast and pray for ego purposes or to impress others. We fast and pray unto our Lord Jesus. (Matthews 6:5-8, 16-18) We should not view fasting and prayer as punishment, though our bodies may resist at first. Fasting and prayer should always be viewed as a precious opportunity to please and get closer to Jesus. Jesus responds to our prayer request when we willingly humble ourselves. To be humble before Jesus requires personal sacrifices. (Romans 12:1-2) When we fast, we are producing fruit- (temperance), the fruit of self-control, discipline and submission.
Fasting brings surrender of mind, body and spirit to the authority and rule of Jesus over our total person.
“Matthew 17:21- Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”
By Elders Bruce Sanders