June 10: Fasting Brings Power from God

Sometimes prayer alone is not enough to accomplish God’s purposes. Some types of prayer requests do require self-denial. The Bible tells of a man who had a demon-possessed son. Jesus’ disciples failed to cast out the demon; the demon laughed at them instead. Why? They were unprepared. After Jesus cast out the demon, He explained to them, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Christ could cast out any demon He encountered because He had spent forty days fasting and praying in preparation for His ministry and because He continued to fast and pray regularly.

Spiritual powerlessness can come from feeding your flesh and neglecting your spirit. Even though God created our bodies to require food, He wants us to be controlled by His spirit. I teach the Word of God almost daily, and I eat very little beforehand. If you eat before speaking the Word, your flesh can get in the way of the flow of the anointing. When Jesus told His disciples that the demon could only come out by prayer and fasting. He was saying, in effect, “Prayer is good, but sometimes you need to add something to your prayers: a spirit of consecration to God and an abstinence from what can interfere with the flow of God’s power in your life.”

If you have ever thought, “I’ve been a believer for many years, but God seems so far away. I feel like I’m in the desert. I have no spiritual zeal.” Fasting with prayer can draw you close to God, revive your spirit, and give you spiritual power. Note: Fasting with prayer helps to prepare you for a more powerful ministry. Every time you fast, you must always come out with renewed energy, power and a sharper ability to hear from God. Try it and you’ll certainly have a testimony. God bless you as you try.

Let’s pray: Father, I have walked with you for some time but I have lost my zeal for you. Please draw me to You, Lord and fill me with Your power as I fast and pray. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22

Fasting Sharpens Your Hearing from God.