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October 6, 2023
The Secret to Breakthrough
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. (Isaiah 58:6-8 NLT)
My beloved fasting brings results that nothing else will. What is fasting? It is abstaining from food for a set time and using that time for communion and fellowship with your Heavenly Father. I was instructed by the Holy Spirit two times in my life to fast for forty days and nights. During that time, I fasted all forms of entertainment, such as television, radio, movies, and social media. During that time, I would go to a quiet place, pray, read the Word of God, receive communion, and spend time fellowshipping with the Father. During those times, significant breakthroughs took place. When you don’t know what to do because your situation feels paralyzing or even hopeless, listen intentionally to the Holy Spirit’s voice, who is a proven spiritual leader as to what you are to do.
There are times when fasting is necessary for breakthrough and deliverance from your present situation. A man who brought his son to Jesus, asking Him to heal his son who had seizures and suffered terribly. Jesus took him over to His disciples, and they couldn’t heal him because of their unbelief and lack of faith. (Matthew 17:14-20) Faith will move mountains! (Matthew 17:20)
On another occasion, a man spoke up in the crowd and asked Jesus to heal his son, who was possessed by and deaf and dumb spirit evil spirit (he couldn’t talk). The spirit would throw him to the ground, and he would foam at the mouth and grind his teeth, so Jesus asked His disciples to cast out the evil spirit, and they couldn’t do it because of a lack of faith. (Mark 9:17-19) The man said if you can have mercy on my son, and Jesus said, ‘What do you mean: ‘IF I CAN’? Anything is possible if a person believes! (Mark 9:22-23) The man cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’ (Mark 9:24)
Jesus rebuked the evil spirit with power and authority, ‘LISTEN! You spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak, I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!’ The spirit screamed and left the boy, and Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet. (Mark 9:25-27) Afterward, when Jesus was alone with the disciples, they asked why they couldn’t cast out that evil spirit. Jesus replied, ‘This kind can be cast out only by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28-29) Fasting strengthens you to defeat the enemy. It also gives you a keen ear for listening to God’s voice.
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