Power in Fasting

There really is power in fasting! John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, refused to ordain a man into the ministry unless he fasted two days a week. There is a reason for the emphasis on this form of self-discipline.

Fasting is a constant reminder to your body that your spirit is going to be boss that your spiritual hunger will prevail over your fleshly desires. Fasting is also a reminder to pray.

When you feel hungry, use that sharp hunger pain as an alarm clock to arouse you to pray even more earnestly.

Throughout my ministry, God has led me to add power to my prayers through fasting. In a difficult situation, a three-day fast will add a powerful new dimension to your prayers. (I would add that if there is a possibility that three days without nourishment could threaten your health, you would be wise to check with your doctor to see if a fast would be harmful.)

To the natural man, the skeptic or the cold-hearted. Christian, the idea of fasting sounds foolish. However, the Bible reveals that DESIRE IS THE KEY TO POWER WITH GOD!

Isaiah 64:7 really speaks to my heart. The prophet said to God, ". . . THERE IS NONE THAT CALLETH UPON THY NAME, THAT STIRRETH UP HIMSELF TO TAKE HOLD OF THEE ...." Everyone was too lazy, too easy-going, too content to just let things slide along as usual.

Powerful praying is hard work, and it requires extra effort from those who want to succeed. However, you will never make this great an effort without a strong desire!

Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. " Matthew 5:6. You will be spiritually fulfilled if you hunger and thirst after God - but you can see that hunger and thirst are words expressing deep desire.

Do you have a deep desire to see your prayers answered? Do you have a deep desire to see your life transformed? Remember, desire will create determination, and determination will move God on your behalf.

In the book of 1 Samuel you can read about a woman named Hannah who was childless. She reached the point where she became so determined in prayer for a son that she would not eat and she wept continually.

The Bible says that when Hannah went to pray, “... she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.” 1 Samuel 1:10

Did Hamlah's deep desire payoff? The Bible says, “... the Lord remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass ... that she bares a son...." 1 Samuel 1:19, 20. Her son, Samuel, became one of God's greatest prophets. When you really want an answer to your prayers, things are going to happen! See how Jabez prayed and asked the Lord to . . .

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