Breakthrough
Matthew 17:21 (NKJV)
"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."
Fasting and prayer are two essential disciplines in the life of a believer. Jesus Himself modeled and taught the importance of both, and in Matthew 17:21, He emphasizes their necessity in addressing certain challenges and spiritual obstacles. The disciples had tried to cast out a demon, but they were unable to. Jesus, however, was able to do what they could not, and He explained that some things—especially strongholds—require not just prayer, but the combined power of fasting and prayer.
Fasting is a powerful tool because it brings us into a deeper level of dependence on God. When we fast, we are intentionally setting aside our physical needs to focus entirely on our spiritual needs. It is an act of surrender, a way of saying, "God, I am desperate for You. I need You more than I need food, comfort, or any other earthly thing." Fasting humbles us, aligns our hearts with God's will, and strengthens our spiritual resolve.
Prayer, when combined with fasting, unlocks spiritual breakthroughs. There are some things in our lives—whether it's personal struggles, family challenges, or even deep spiritual issues—that require more than a casual prayer. They require persistent, heartfelt prayer coupled with fasting, which intensifies our focus and draws us nearer to God's power. It’s not that God cannot move without fasting, but fasting aligns our hearts with His, preparing us to receive what He wants to do in us and through us.
Jesus taught that some victories in the spiritual realm will only come when we dedicate ourselves to a deeper, more intense connection with God through fasting and prayer. These acts serve as tools to break chains, cast out darkness, and bring about the transformation we long for.
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for the power of fasting and prayer. We ask for the grace and discipline to draw near to You in both of these ways, trusting that through them, we will experience breakthroughs and spiritual growth. Help us to lay down our fleshly desires and seek You above all else. We believe that nothing is impossible for You, and we ask for Your power to be made manifest in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."
Fasting and prayer are two essential disciplines in the life of a believer. Jesus Himself modeled and taught the importance of both, and in Matthew 17:21, He emphasizes their necessity in addressing certain challenges and spiritual obstacles. The disciples had tried to cast out a demon, but they were unable to. Jesus, however, was able to do what they could not, and He explained that some things—especially strongholds—require not just prayer, but the combined power of fasting and prayer.
Fasting is a powerful tool because it brings us into a deeper level of dependence on God. When we fast, we are intentionally setting aside our physical needs to focus entirely on our spiritual needs. It is an act of surrender, a way of saying, "God, I am desperate for You. I need You more than I need food, comfort, or any other earthly thing." Fasting humbles us, aligns our hearts with God's will, and strengthens our spiritual resolve.
Prayer, when combined with fasting, unlocks spiritual breakthroughs. There are some things in our lives—whether it's personal struggles, family challenges, or even deep spiritual issues—that require more than a casual prayer. They require persistent, heartfelt prayer coupled with fasting, which intensifies our focus and draws us nearer to God's power. It’s not that God cannot move without fasting, but fasting aligns our hearts with His, preparing us to receive what He wants to do in us and through us.
Jesus taught that some victories in the spiritual realm will only come when we dedicate ourselves to a deeper, more intense connection with God through fasting and prayer. These acts serve as tools to break chains, cast out darkness, and bring about the transformation we long for.
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for the power of fasting and prayer. We ask for the grace and discipline to draw near to You in both of these ways, trusting that through them, we will experience breakthroughs and spiritual growth. Help us to lay down our fleshly desires and seek You above all else. We believe that nothing is impossible for You, and we ask for Your power to be made manifest in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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