Fasting is not a new thing. Throughout the Bible, there are countless examples of people, like you and me, who in crucial moments have declared a fast. In 2 Chronicles 20 Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was about to experience a major battle as he was leading this nation. When he learned about the great armies coming against Judah he was afraid, and “set to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:4). Jehoshaphat realized that he did not have the physical power to win this battle so he turned to the one whom he knew could help: God.
Similarly, in our lives as Christ followers, we will face circumstances that are overwhelming or impossible and we may not know what to do. The first thing to we should do is seek the Lord and declare a fast. I remember a time when I was a young minister. I was going to preach in a different city, and things that were not normal started to plague my family. My kids got sick and we started experiencing financial loss in an unusual way. We just kept getting hit and it would not stop. I realized something was not right and decided to couple my prayers with fasting.
There is power in fasting. At this moment you may feel pressure on every side and be desperate for some help. We see as Jehoshaphat spends time in prayer and fasting he receives encouragement from the Lord about his issue. He received this word from the lord: “Thus says the Lord to you, ‘do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, IT IS THE LORD’S.” (2 Chronicles 2:15)
We will face numerous trials in our lives but know that God is fighting these battles for us. And as we wait on him we can prepare ourselves to step into the victory by thanking him in advance. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 4:11) When we thank God, we are telling Him we believe He will grant us our prayers. We are saying we believe he hears us when we pray and this is a sign of faith.
After that trying moment in my life, I have made it a habit to thank God for answering my prayers before I see the answer. I saw how God honored my submission to pray and fast. As I went to preach healing came to my family and all that was lost financially was restored. The blessing comes at the back-end. I pray you will persevere in prayer and fasting in order to receive your answers in God as I have.