HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
HERE ARE SOME BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF HOW FASTING WAS A VITAL COMPONENT IN ASSISTING THE PEOPLE OF GOD
FOR BREAKTHROUGH:
Isaiah 58: 6–8 “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.”
FOR SEEKING GOD FOR A NATION:
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Daniel 9:3-4 “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;”
Daniel 10:3 “ I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
Joel 2:12-13 “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
FOR PROTECTION AND WISDOM:
Esther 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me: neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
FOR DIRECTION:
Acts 13: 2-4 “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
FOR CONSECRATION TO GOD’S WILL AND SERVICE:
Acts 14:23 “So when they appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”
