Have You Tried Fasting?

There could be particular situations that arise in our lives that hold more of an intensity and demand for attention. In Matthew 17, we read how the disciples questioned Jesus about seeing the miraculous.

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 19:20-21

Jesus knew they had the ability to do the same miracles that He did. That is why He selected them. He gave them the authority to do so in Matthew 10:8, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” He wanted common people to do uncommon things. He wanted unbelieving people to believe and see miracles, signs and wonders. He wanted the unfaithful to be faithful. He wanted the sinners to be saved. He wanted the unjust to be just. He wanted the poor to be rich. This is the gospel [good news] of Jesus Christ –that we would be empowered with His Spirit to perform such works and experience all type of miracles, signs and wonders.

However, there are times that we do need to go through the means of prayer and fasting. No one wants to push aside that pretty plate for a powerful miracle! We want everything just to happen. Let’s be honest, who really likes to fast? It is not easy. I love my rice, beans, chicken and treats too! But when I want to see that change take place, then I better get to that bottle of water and bread from Heaven! Then we will find that God gives us that strength to do it when we say YES!

To cast [throw or hurl; fling, to direct; to part with; to lose; to shed or drop] is to put effort. I know if I am ready to throw something I have to gather up some solid strength! To hurl something over I have to gear up my man muscles. If I want to fling a thing, it is certainly going to require some force. So that is the same for the things we need to cast off from us. Certain issues, problems, patterns that need to be broken, addictions, temptations or attacks that come our way– we need to FAST FOR FREEDOM! If we want that breakthrough to happen for us then we must push aside that plate and get before the presence of God.

There are so many forms of prayer and fasting. I will list a few below that will help from the website of Pastor Jentezen Franklin. There are also scripture references for fasting independently or corporately [with others] found on this site as well.

Full Fast
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables (this was done for 10 or 21 days according to the book of Daniel).

3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Just so we can review that fasting really works, here are some notable miracles that happened from fasting:

Moses received the 10 Commandments from a 40 day Fast.
Exodus 34:28

Esther was able to save the Jewish remnant from a sentence of death with a 3 day corporate fast.
Esther 4:15

Jesus fasted 40 days before performing any miracles as He began His ministry with the disciples.
Matthew 4:2

Paul began his apostolic ministry after a 3 day individual fast when he first encountered the Lord.
Acts 9:9

We could see all throughout the scriptures that major events and miracles occurred by the means of prayer and fasting. It will not be beneficial for you to pass the plate and not pray. For the purpose of fasting is to consecrate yourself for a designated period [partial day(s), full day(s)] in order to dwell in the presence of God. We present our petitions before Him; We worship Him; We spend the time reading and absorbing the written word during these precious times.

“Fasting weakens the flesh, strengthens the spirit and energizes faith!”
Spirit Filled Life Bible For Students by Jack W. Hayford, New King James Version

So when you need an answer, when you need a movement, when you need to cast something out or when you need that breakthrough to happen, then you MUST pray and fast! Else, it just won’t happen. For God knows all these things and wants us to have the type of faith that will move mountains. This is all developed when we give it a try and succeed at fervent fasting! Let’s put this to practice and DO THE FAST!