Day 14: When to Fast
Aside from the corporate fast we are doing right now, how do you know when to fast? It’s easy to recognize physical hunger, but what about spiritual hunger?
There are times when you need to fast on your own I want to help you to recognize those times.
Mammoth Tasks: Have you ever been faced with something that you knew was impossible to accomplish on your own? God gave Nehemiah a burden for the city of his people. When he received word about the condition of Jerusalem he said, “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Neh. 1:4). Nehemiah knew he had to do something.
The book of Nehemiah is very encouraging reading when you are on a fast. Against amazing odds, Nehemiah got the job done! God empowered and equipped Nehemiah to rebuild the city in a ridiculously short period of time. You may not be rebuilding city walls, but God has put a dream in your heart. Fast and pray for His means and direction to accomplish it.
Physical danger or under attack: Queen Esther called the Jews to a 3-day fast when she learned that all the Jews were under threat of extermination at the hand of Haman What the Enemy intended for evil, God turned around for good because people humbled themselves, fasted and prayed, and sought His face!
Are you facing something that will put you in physical danger? Are you facing surgery, a dangerous journey of some sort? Do you or someone you love serve in the military? You can fast and pray for the protection!
Appalled: Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by a sin in our nation, that it drives us to our knees and causes us to fast. The fact that we live in a society where human trafficking—specifically the sale of little children in the sex-trade—could become the second highest crime in the nation is utterly appalling. The only thing more appalling is how many years this nation has said that our children are disposable, beginning in the womb, through abortion.
Demonic oppression: Jesus said there are times when nothing but fasting and prayer will drive out the source of demonic oppression in someone’s life (Mark 9:29). Demons are real. Jesus began His earthly ministry with a grueling 40-day fast.
The Holy Spirit’s prompting: As I said, the Holy Spirit knows when you need to fast. He led Jesus on His first fast in the wilderness. The Holy Spirit knows when you are losing the edge in your life. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The more you choose to make fasting and prayer part of your life, the more sensitive you become to the Spirit of God.
Your spirit hungers for the things of God just like your stomach hungers for food. Fasting as the Holy Spirit leads will help you come into alignment with the things God desires to do you in your life—for you, and through you!
January 19, 2013 | Permalink30 Responses to Day 14: When to Fast
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elizabeth says:
Demonic oppression: Jesus said there are times when nothing but fasting and prayer will drive out the source of demonic oppression in someone’s life (Mark 9:29). Demons are real.
I need prayers for my brother Thomas. He doesn’t read the bible,or hear message or receive communion.I pray for him everyday and have been fasting past 3 years. I trust God will hear and answer as we all pray and fast together. -
grace says:
Wow thank you Pastor
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moses kalafula says:
theologically i still can’t understand why Jesus (God) had to fast!!! there must be a mystery hidden in the practice of fasting!!
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Rodney says:
I believe that Jesus fasted becuase even though he was God he was man also. Just like we need to fast and pray as man Jesus needed to fast and pray. Prayer is just comunication with the father Jesus was our example of how we are to live and commincate with the father
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pearlin says:
Thank you , this is so true,Amen
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Antoinette G. of Round Lake, IL says:
Thank you Pastor JF for this very vital and encouraging spiritual enlightenment!! We all sure can use it!!!
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Barbara Reese says:
Thank you for this message this morning on day 14 of our fasting! I can always tell when the Holy Spirit prompts me to fast! It should always be or become a part of a Christian’s life! Great word for today!
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Rosemary Marston says:
Thank you, this is all so true, I am fasting for my church and unsaved loved ones. My grandson in the military, my children to be closer to The Lord. I Praise God for his goodness and answered prayers.
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Nomsa says:
Amen! The word works
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Christine says:
We are faced by many issues daily, and we need to know that there is nothing that we cannot take to God for He will truly help us. I have testimonies of His goodness:
- The devil trying me, but through prayer and fasting of friends he was defeated. I saw Gods power in action. It is more awesome than anything you can ever imagine. You stand aside and watch God in action.
- Work issues where I did not know what to do.I look above and say ‘well God we have a situation here that needs a miracle’. He has given me wisdom that I did not have and I have excelled.
Let us remember to give Him praise in all victories. -
Lori Beck says:
Amen, Amen, Amen!!!
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Michelle says:
Praise the Lord…thank you for the message Pastor Franklin!!! I’m so excited for what the Lord is doing in the lives of his people.. After, these 21 day of fasting and prayer, it will become a lifestyle for me!!! The Lord is doing amazing things in the spirit for his people!!! thank you Jesus…. Praise his Holy name!! We Love you Jesus….What a mighty God we serve…..
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Amen, amen, and amen!!! Thank You Jesus!!! Hallelujah!!!!
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Thank You pastor Jenetzen, for your words of encouragement today. I have daughter and her husband in the military, who are saved and 3, young children. Pastor, they do not go to church, but their 6 years old loves going to church. They lives, in New Orlea says:
Thank you for your encouraging words for today. I have a daughter and her husband in the military station in Gretna LA,. They have 3, young children which are not in church. My oldest granddaughter loves going to church, and so, far the only times she goes, is when I visit. I have already petition God in prayer now fasting to relocate me in a wonderful in Gretna, LA. so, my granddaughter and my other grand child will get to know Jesus. Please I ask for your complete agreement in prayer regarding this situation and financial provision to carry out his assignment for my life and my grandchildren and their parents. Thank You. Amen.
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Bill says:
Glory to God for these revelations today and Praise the Lord who gives us victories through situations that we have not control and with human sight,it is impossible to face it and to accomplish in our own but through fasting and praying,we are more that conqueror by Christ Jesus.I believe God for my wife’s ID,our move to us and job promotions/move in higher company position and my passport issue.I’m Fasting as directed by the Holy Spirit who will help me come into alignment with the things God desires to do for me in my life, for my family, and through me.Thank you Jesus to take the leadership for my life. Before the end of fasting, I’ll see these situations turn around for our good.
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Doreene says:
Day 14
I thought I was doing well but now I feel like it’s just a diet. Am I doing something wrong? Not reading the word enough, praying enough??? The food isn’t the problem and that has to be God but the relationship and presence, somethings missing.-
JBlaze says:
This means you are doing something right. Be encouraged. Stay on the path…He will meet you my sister.
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Juju says:
I really think it was Holy spirit who guided me to go on fasting this time.
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Doreene, stay encourage and wait on the Lord… the Lord will speak..nothing is wrong..the enemy wants you to think the fast isn’t working but the devil is a liar!!! The Lord is with you, he’s your strength….keep on fasting and praying…keep trusting in the Lord…may the Lord continue to bless you. We the saints have the Victory!!!!
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Brenda says:
Please pray for me to stand strong in this fast.I’m facing so much and at times I wonder if I’m doing something wrong
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Titilia says:
Thank you confirming what God has been pressing on my heart.
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Patience says:
i watched your broadcast for the very first time on TBN, and it was so transforming, i was led by the Holy Spirit to your website and i read through the devotion it was so motivating, Thank you pastor for your teachings.
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cfrias757 says:
Amen, and Amen. Very encouraging words, something that I will use and read over and over again, throughout the year. Many thanks to Pastor Jentezen Franklin, for obeying the Holy Spirit to bring such words that many really needed to hear and on time. God bless!
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Vall says:
Be encouraged. The Word of God says “He will never leave you or forsake you”. Just know that Jesus loves you unconditionally. Praise God
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Pido perdon aDios por no compartir mi testimonio. Hace tres años comence un ayuno corporativo y estaba en una situacion economica que casi me provoco el suicidio. Ese mismi años vendi un terreno que era imposible vender y me dieron $ 25,000.00 los cuales me ayudaron tremendamenta asalir de mis deudas. Hoy dia a pesar de que mi empresa ha atravesado los problemas economicos de mi pais aun sigue vigente y Dios me ha inspirado a crear otras empresas que hoy dia comienzan a fructificar tambien.
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the true hunger for God causes us to go without food for days (even 40)!! Thanks Pastor Franklin. you have just given me the spiritual equation regarding fasting i have been struggling to come up with!! THE MORE HUNGRY WE ARE FOR GOD, THE MORE WE WILL SEEK HIM THROUGH FASTING, THE MORE HE WILL FEED/FILL US WITH WHO HE IS!!
THE MORE I FAST, THE MORE SENSITIVE I BECOME TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CONCERNING WHEN I SHOULD FAST!!
My prayer is that:’ God will increase my hunger for him this year like never before’!!! -
the question am asking myself is: ‘HOW MUCH OF GOD AM I CRAVING FOR THIS YEAR?’
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Lineti says:
I attempted day 1 of my 21 day fast.. I failed after hours. I am a smoker as well and I immediately had a cigarette soon after my daily dose of caffeine. My Husband and I want to complete our fast to establish a strong relationship with our Lord Jesus. But I am discouraged as I have failed on day 1. I will start again tomorrow morning but I need prayer. My Husband and I would greatly appreciate prayers from all of you. We haven’t been saved by the Grace of God ever.. and it is now I realize The Holy Spirit is tugging at us to live Holy and seek God. Although I am so disappointed in myself and fear God’s anger towards me for giving into the Devil.. I also pray he sheds his love upon me and forgives me for I will complete this fast as I have this feeling that it must be done. I pray for God to strengthen us and soften our hearts to hear the truth and witness the miracle of prayer. Our fast is mainly as repentance and deliverance from our evil ways. Please pray for us brothers and sisters. God is Alpha and Omega hallelujah for his mercy is upon you all.
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will pray for you guys!!
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Amen and amen!!