Introduction:

There is nothing that fast-tracks the purpose of God in your life like fasting. The strongest muscle in your body, per pound, is your jaw muscle. When you fast, you conquer the strongest muscle in your body and tell the rest of your body to worship God. If you can say no to food, you can say no to anything. When you fast, you are exercising your “no” muscle.

Key Scriptures:

Acts 13:1-4; Proverbs 16:32; Daniel 10:2-3; Matthew 4:4; Nehemiah 9:3; Esther 4:16; Psalm 92:10; Isaiah 58:6; John 7:38; Matthew 17:21; Mark 16

Key Points:

1. Fasting manifests self-control. Nothing manifests self-control like fasting. Fasting is a trick play in the playbook of God. Fasting is the least practiced but the most powerful tool for Christians. Fasting is giving up food. It shows God that you crave Him more than food. It shows God how serious you are about what you’re praying for.
2. Fasting is seeking God. When you fast, you seek God, and He gives you a fresh word from Heaven. It’s time to say “no” to the status quo. Don’t allow yourself to be normal.
3. God’s favor comes to you when you fast. The favor of God does for you what you can’t do for yourself. The key to favor is to stay humble and stay hungry. His favor will surround you like a shield, open doors no man can shut, and turn every attack into a platform on which you can testify to God’s goodness.
4. Fasting manifests discernment. Fasting purges your motives and will. It clears your mind so you can hear His voice. Lay your decision on the altar and let God give you the answer. Never make major decisions without fasting and prayer.
5. Fasting gets you out of a slump. Sometimes you can get in a rut. But when you fast, you get your feelings and passion back. Fasting is like getting your car's oil changed. Don’t operate on stagnant oil. Drain the old bitterness, anger, lust, selfishness, and unforgiveness, and change the filter on your mind, mouth, heart, eyes, and ears.
6. Fasting brings breakthroughs. Nothing will break bondage in your life like fasting. When you empty your stomach, you position yourself to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Power from the Holy Spirit produces willpower to say no to temptation. Fasting breaks the power of Satan. When you fast and pray, Satan backs up!
7. Fasting brings gratitude. When you fast, you become more grateful for food and the simple things in life. Gratitude will overwhelm you when you eat again.
8. Fasting brings dreams. When you fast, you begin to dream and see visions. You cannot fast and seek God without getting a dream and vision for your life from God.

Final Thoughts:

Fear will interfere with the open door God has for you. But when you fast and pray, you bind the spirit of fear. Something new is coming as you pray and fast!