11 January
VICTORY THROUGH PRAYER AND FASTING
“But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
(Matthew 17:21, AMP)
Prayer and fasting involves abstinence from food, drink and other indulgences of the body, so as to focus on prayer and fellowship with God and rely on Him for strength, wisdom, direction and provision. This is indispensable to the Christian. It is a powerful weapon for victory, the greatest of which is a deep relationship with God and obedience to His will.
Prayer and fasting is not a way of manipulating God to fulfil our desires but a means of being at the centre of His will for us. The Bible is replete with examples of people who engaged in effectual fasting and praying. Ezra led the people in fasting and prayers for protection on their journey to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. They journeyed in safety and had victory in their assignment (Ezra 8:21-23).
Nehemiah fasted and prayed for favour before his boss, the king. He had favour and victory in his assignment (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Esther led her kinsmen in prayer and fasting and God made the pagan king to do the unthinkable by granting power to the captive Hebrews to defend themselves on the day they were to be annihilated. Daniel prayed and fasted for mercy, forgiveness and restoration of his people, Israel, from captivity to bring forth God’s word at the end of the said 70 years. His request was granted (Daniel 9).
Our Lord Jesus prayed and fasted for forty days to usher Him into His ministry and to overcome the devil and his temptations. He also told His disciples that casting out some demons could only be done by prayer and fasting with faith. The apostles also prayed and fasted before making important decisions, such as appointing elders. (Acts14:23).The Christian is surrounded by wolves and roaring lions. If he is serious about being victorious, he would regularly pray and fast. The Word enjoins couples to plan their prayer and fasting time together.
ACTION: Does your prayer and fasting positively affect those around you? (See Isaiah 58: 6–11).
PRAYER: Father God, please strengthen me to keep dedicated prayer and fasting times. Give me the grace to desire a deeper relationship with you and to live in total obedience to your will. Amen.