DAY TWENTY: FASTING ENABLES BREAKTHROUGH IN THE BATTLE
Sometimes the things we seek through prayer and fasting are quickly manifested and other times there is a delay that requires battling opposing forces. Daniel is a good example of this. We see in Daniel 9 that Daniel turned to the Lord in prayer and fasting. While still in prayer, the angel Gabriel said to him, “as soon as you began to pray, an answer was given…” This is a picture of a quick manifestation. However, in the next chapter we find Daniel again fasting and praying for 3 weeks. But this time, the angel says that even though his words were heard on the first day, the answer was held up by the Prince of Persia. Michael, the Archangel, was sent to help Gabriel breakthrough enemy lines because Daniel persisted in prayer and fasting until the revelation was released.
Fasting creates power that breaks through enemy lines! I’m sure that at some point in your life you have experienced an obstacle that was difficult to break through. Whether it was a habit, reoccurring sin, unforgiveness or a character flaw, you have tried and tried to change, but it seemed immovable. Or, maybe you have prayed and prayed for an answer to a problem you were facing only to come away from your prayer time with out any solution. According to Mahesh Chavda in his book, “The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting,” when you combine fasting with prayer it becomes like a “nuclear weapon in your spiritual arsenal!” He goes on to state, “Imagine that you’ve been using the hand grenades of prayer to move a massive mountain of unbelief, hindrances or demonic obstructions in your life and ministry. When you combine your prayers with fasting, you suddenly drop a hydrogen bomb on the mountain that is blocking your call and divine assignment. I’m not talking a slight difference. Fasting boosts the intensity and effectiveness of your prayer at least a tenfold and often a hundredfold!”
As we continue to fast these last few days, picture a “wrecking ball” demolishing that obstacle. Watch yourself pass through the other side in victory as an overcomer!
1 John 5:4- For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- your faith.” (NKJV)
Well I for one believe this but sometimes it does not help at the moment does it! I guess that is when I have to try to press through to the other side. I was just crying to God for a Burning touch from Him that would sear my spirit. I feel very dry right now and i know i cannot go by what i feel. God is at work and i must confess, i nearly failed today. By God’s grace i did not reach for the ice cream! I cannot have “God Time” without His touch. It is just time! God, teach me how to know you and allow my spirit to dance with you, Amen!