A fast to defeat the enemy...

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke.” Isaiah 58:6

 

It is a good fast when your motive is to defeat the enemy.  This passage speaks of cords, chains and yokes.  These all represent bondage, slavery and oppression.  When our fast is a fast to break the chains, and set the captives free, it is a good fast.  Jesus gives us a model for this kind of fasting.  After Jesus received His baptism through John the Baptist He fasted for forty days to confront Satan and his temptations (Matthew 4:1-2).  Like Jesus, our fasting comes against bondage or temptation Satan is seeking to put on us.  One church father, St. Hesychios, wrote,

 

     “He (Jesus) taught us, as feeble as we are, that we should fight against the

      demons with humility, fasting, prayer and watchfulness.  For when, after

      His baptism, He went into the desert and the devil came up to Him as though

      He were merely a man, He began His spiritual warfare by fasting and won the

      battle by this means.”

 

Our fasting will not only help bring freedom to our own lives, but it will also bring freedom for others who are in bondage and oppression.  Fasting and prayer together are a deadly combination in overcoming strongholds.  In fasting we choose to be weak, voluntarily, in order for God’s strength to be made manifest through us.  Be encouraged today in your fasting, and may it be a fast that is pleasing to the heart of Jesus. Our corporate fast in a spirit of unity will accomplish much in the heavenly realms that could never be matched through human strength.  It is amazing that we can come together in this way all over the world. Let us fast and pray for breakthrough in our own lives and the lives of those held captive to this world and the ways of the enemy.  Fast for a loved one, a friend, or someone who desperately needs Jesus.  We will see freedom and deliverance in Jesus name. 

 

Prayer: Jesus give us your strength today as we set aside natural nourishment for heavenly manna.  I ask Abba that each and every one joining in one accord today across the earth would feel your mighty presence and be encouraged in your love and truth.  We love you and set our gaze on you once again.  Amen.