OUR MIGHTY WEAPON OF WAR – FASTING!

SCRIPTURE: JOEL 2:12-13, 15, MATT 6:1-17

INTRODUCTION:
A prophetic word to our nation:
The FASTING & PRAYER of the saints in Malaysia has kept that nation from the judgment of God.
This is the 11th year of the national 40 days of prayer and fasting. We MUST rise up to continue fasting and praying as we are in critical times. God’s trumpet call has sounded loud and clear. We must humble ourselves and ask God for mercy, for forgiveness of our sins and the sins of our nation. (2 Chron 7:14)

‘WHEN YOU’ not ‘IF YOU’:
In Matt 6 the Lord Jesus taught on key principles His disciples need to live by to be victorious in the Kingdom of God, among which are 3 great duties to be practised. Jesus in teaching on these 3 areas, said:

WHEN you give … v 2;
WHEN you pray … v 5;
WHEN you fast … v 6

Jesus did not say, IF you give… pray… fast… but WHEN you give… pray… fast…This means
1. It is not an option.
2. It ought to be done.

Jesus expected all His disciples to give, pray and …FAST regularly. They are to be practised from the heart, with humility and in honour of the Father who sees in secret and rewards openly!

Most Christians agree that as disciples of Christ we cannot afford NOT to give or pray. But when it comes to FASTING (an area much neglected…), we seem to think that it is an option. God has meant fasting to be a lifestyle of His children. Let’s seek to take hold of this neglected area and use this powerful weapon to see great breakthroughs in our lives and see the advancement of His Kingdom.

WHAT IS FASTING?
It is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. It is a form of spiritual discipline, a form of mourning and humbling of self.

BENEFITS OF FASTING:
1. Cleanses our bodies of harmful toxins. A natural way towards healing and health
2. Brings us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Increases our spiritual sensitivity.
3. Dethrones the flesh and enthrones the SPIRIT!
4. Releases the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Eg of Jesus (Lk 4:14)
5. A fasting lifestyle that honours God will break poverty from our lives.
6. Breaks yokes, demonic bondages and addictions (Isa 58:6, Matt 17:21)
7. Brings divine intervention, deliverance and victory (2 Chron 20:1-30, Esther 4)
8. Judgement of God can be averted. (Jonah 3:10)

MY PERSONAL EXPEREINCE
As an encouragement – 9 Aug 2011 is my 5th day of liquid fast. I’ve experienced many breakthroughs. I feel strong spiritually and physically. I’m experiencing His joy and peace in a wonderful way. Prayer comes so easily and I’m amazed at what the Lord is directing me to pray. Also the Bible comes alive like never before. I’m receiving very enlightening revelations from Him and His Word. Praise the Lord!


CONCLUSION: Be AGENTS of CHANGE!
Let us commit to fast and pray during these 40 days!
Do a fast that means something to you. These is always the element of “sacrifice and suffering” to show our humility and sorrow for our sins and the sins of our nation.