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What Happens During A Fast?

Part 3

By Sang Wan Choi

Fasting and Spiritual Warfare

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12

In the same way a soldier undergoes the rigors of boot camp to train the body for combat, so it is with Christians when they discipline themselves through prayer, fasting, reading the Word, and praise. We can then be used to demolish spiritual barriers and set the captives free.

Fasting and Prayer

When fasting is coupled with prayer, prayers transcend earthly understanding and bring about supernatural breakthrough. Fasting can be viewed as a precious opportunity to get closer to the Lord. During seasons of fasting and prayer, our spirits are much more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and we often receive keener revelation from God's Word. Our prayers hit the mark because we are praying from God's perspective instead of our own limited understanding.

What are the benefits of fasting?

• It strengthens and implements prayer (Acts 10:30-31)
• It brings blessings of obedience (Matthew 6:6)
• It brings humility through repentance (Nehemiah 9:1-3)
• It gives revelation of God's way and will for your future (Daniel 9)
• It establishes authority and power in prayer and spiritual warfare (Matthew 4:1-11)

Fasting and Praise

Praise is another important discipline that is key to successful spiritual warfare. It can be used to lay the groundwork for the victories the Holy Spirit desires. Praise opens the gates of our internal prisons, and sets us free.

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose." — Acts 16:25-26

What does praise do?

• It blesses the Lord (Luke 24:52-53)
• It brings you into His presence and draws you closer to Him (Psalms 100:4)
• It defeats the devil (Psalms 149:5-9)
• It brings revival
• It gives you joy (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Fasting and the Word of God:

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." — Hebrews 4:12

The combination of fasting, prayer, and praise will open up your spirit so that you can effectively wield the most powerful weapon: the Word of God. With these weapons of warfare, the Lord equips us to stand up in authority and fight with ultimate, certain victory!

Part 4 of this series is now available.