The Secret of Fasting

Fasting is limiting our intake of food in response to God’s call and for the building of His kingdom. Almost all the great men and women of God throughout history have known a secret, the secret of fasting. They have understood the power and the privilege of fasting. We cannot fast unless we have God’s permission. But when God permits us to fast, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of His work. We are honoured to be chosen to have such an important part in the Spirit’s movement. Fasting is a power, privilege, opportunity, and honour. But only those who know the secret recognize this.

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT FASTING

Throughout much of the Old Testament, there was only one fast day, the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29). Later, other fasts were called for either because of a state of emergency or on the anniversary of a national tragedy (Zecharias 7:3-4). Fasting was an attempt to end a terrible circumstance.

In the new covenant, we fast in a different way, as after the wedding feast (Mark 2:20). We fast not only to end tragedy but to begin ministry. Jesus fasted for 40 days to begin His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). The church of Antioch fasted to begin the first missionary journey (Acts 13:2). We fast not so much because of destruction and tragedy but because of construction and fulfilment.

FASTING AND DELIVERANCE

“Jesus Himself has shown us by His own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil (Matthew 4:1-11). As He taught His disciples, some demons cannot be driven out except in this way (Mark 9:29)”. Fasting sets us free (Isaiah 58:6).

• Even Ahab, the worst sinner in the world, was temporarily freed from destruction by turning to fasting (1 King 21:25-29).
• The Ninevites were also freed from imminent destruction through fasting (Jonah 3:5-10).
• Esther’s fasting helped free the Jewish nation from extermination (Esther 4:16).
• Joel announced the same call (Joel 2:15).

All these people knew the secret. Fasting frees us from the most impossible circumstances, even from Satan.

For example, in our fight for life and against abortion, we are in humanly impossible circumstances. The pro-death forces dominate the government, business, entertainment, education, and mass media. We are like David fighting the Goliath of Planned Parenthood. However, “it is easy for many to be overcome by a few; in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between deliverance by many or by a few; for victory in war does not depend upon the size of the army, but on the strength that comes from Heaven” (1 Maccabees 3:18-19, 2 Chronicles 20:3 and Esther 4:16). Fasting is one of the main ways the Lord gives us strength for victory and freedom from the evil one (Matthew 4:1).

Fasting is a way in which the Lord gives the underdog victory.

(1 Maccabees 3:18-19 And Judas said, “It is an easy thing for many to shut up in the hands of a few; and with Heaven it is all one, to save by many or by few: 19 for victory in battle stands not in the multitude of an army, but strength is from Heaven.)

THE CHAIN REACTION OF FASTING

Fasting is often the fastest way to accomplish anything. When God calls us to fast, more can be done in a short time than in years. Fasting starts a chain reaction that begins with freedom and then results in compassion, enlightenment, healing, prayer-power, guidance, and strength (Isaiah 58:6-11). Ultimately, fasting results in renewal (Nehemiah 4:1). “The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you will raise up; ‘Repairer of the breach,’ they shall call you, ‘Restorer of ruined homesteads’ ” (Isaiah 58:12).

GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR FASTING

God is giving the privilege to fast possibly daily or frequently and The Mystical Order Ministries has been fasting annually for 21 days culminating on Easter Sunday. The Church calls us to imitate Jesus by fasting during set times. As the Church has traditionally practised, we should our meals unless the Lord has given us another way to fast. During the rest of the year, the Lord may call you to fast for a given period. You may be called to a total fast in which you eat nothing or to a partial fast in which you limit your intake of food.

Seek the Lord’s will concerning what time and what way you are to fast each time you are given instructions. Finally, the Lord calls us to fast daily or at least frequently while we seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We should fast in a way that we are conscious of it.

Possibly the Lord will tell you to fast for a special intention. Because fasting can make an average person more powerful spiritually than religious leaders, political figures, and billionaires are, Satan will make fasting as difficult as possible. However, the Lord’s grace will give you victory. Fasting can break you free from the lethargy of spiritual anorexia and give you a hearty appetite for feasting spiritually on God’s word.

“Let us, therefore, discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit”.

Jesus is telling you the secret of fasting. Listen to Him.