Fast Start for Success in 2010

THE POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYER

Tears streamed down my face when I realized that my paycheck had been garnished. The bad news came during an out of town business trip to Denver, Colorado; I was wrongfully involved in a crazy legal dispute involving thousands of dollars – which I did not owe! I pulled myself together and decided to start a spiritual fast IMMEDIATELY – right then and there on the spot! Although I was scheduled to attend a business dinner with several colleagues, I informed the host that my plate could be cancelled.

Later on that evening in my hotel room, I prayed fervently and asked God for help, guidance, wisdom and angelic assistance. Since I always traveled with a bible on hand, I began listing scriptures to pray on a daily basis. Somehow I just knew the issue would disappear since I didn’t owe the money.

WHAT STARTED OUT AS A TERRIBLE FINANCIAL CRISIS ACTUALLY TURNED INTO A TERRIFIC FINANCIAL VICTORY!
Unfortunately I was caught in the jaws of a vicious “legal pit bull.” I prayed diligently for the next 45 days and didn’t see a visible result. Then the Lord prompted me to go on a 21 DAY DANIEL FAST FOR FINANCIAL MIRACLES. I typed up my list of 34 “blockbuster” scriptures and continued praying and fasting for all 21 days – joined by a close friend from church. When I still didn’t see the complete victorious result at the end of 21 days, I continued praying diligently with a one-day weekly fast for about 5 more months. Here’s the good news — Not only did I get a breakthrough from the legal dispute way back in 1998 but I also experienced phenomenal financial increase throughout that entire year.

The combination of fasting and prayer is powerful but is not well utilized or understood in today’s Christian community. However, the bible reports numerous instances of successful fasting – Moses (Exodus 34:28), Esther (Esther 4:16) , Daniel (Daniel 1: 12; 9:3-4; 10:2-3), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3), the Apostles (Acts 13:2) and Jesus (Matthew 4:1) to name a few. Bible teachers often note that Jesus said “ When you fast” not “If you fast” – meaning that fasting is a critical element of the basic Christian walk.

There are many different kinds of fasts described in the bible. An excellent resource for getting smart about fasting was written by Elmer L. Towns: “Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough : A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts”.

To get started, read about the numerous promises of fasting listed in Isaiah 58: 5 – 11 : freedom from bondage and burdens, improved health, answers to problems , wisdom, guidance and of course, spiritual renewal.

The most important key to fasting is to get specific direction from the Lord before you start . There are many different kinds of fasts – absolute fast (no food or drink), partial fast ( limited food consumption) and the Daniel fast – (referenced first in Daniel 1: 12). The Daniel fast generally requires that you eat only unseasoned fruits, vegetables, nuts along with water, herbal tea, 100% fruit juice. Coffee, meat, dairy products, desserts, breads, pasta, fried foods, coffee, candy, alcohol and soda are off limits. Although any time period can be selected, a Daniel fast is generally done for either 10 or 21 days.

Here are a few keys to successful fasting:

• Pray for guidance concerning the specific type of fast , length, timing and duration. The Lord will direct you specifically. If you are inexperienced in fasting, consider a one meal fast – for example, replacing the lunch meal with a cup of hot, low-sodium broth while you spend extra time in prayer. Avoid starting with a lengthy fast if you are inexperienced; also consider getting a friend to fast with you so that you can encourage each other.

• Write down the purpose of the fast. Examples: Wisdom concerning a decision or situation, improvements in marriage, financial breakthrough, freedom from tobacco addiction, etc. Spend some time in self-reflection….. Are there areas of disobedience or sin where you need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness? Clean out your heart to eliminate toxic emotions – bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, etc.

• Select relevant scriptures for your fast and write them down on index cards or type them out. Plan to read and pray those scriptures DAILY while you are fasting. A fast for financial breakthrough might include the following scriptures:
  • Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers (3 John 2)
  • God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:8)
  • Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. ( Psalm 35:27)
  • Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding ( Proverbs 4:7)
  • Note: Scripture selection is a critical step. The Word of God helps us focus on the promises of God, rather than the problem we are facing.

• Consistency is critical. Daily focus will move you forward in a positive direction. If you “fall off the wagon” by eating or drinking a prohibited item, just ask God for strength and STAY ON THE FAST. One meal or day off track does not mean you should abandon your goal. Keep going and keep praying!!

• At the conclusion of the fast, eat sensibly and avoid spicy dishes, fried foods, etc. Gradually ease your system back to normal eating. Years ago, I went out for a BBQ rib dinner the day after ending a fast – needless to say that was not wise and I got sick to my stomach!

Fasting combined with prayer is a power tool available to every Christian. Results have proven over and over that it’s a winning combo!