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A new year, new goals and the desire to better ourselves with this our New Year’s plans is bound to push us out of our comfort zones if we do it right. It is our aim every year that this year will be different than the previous, we are not going to give up mid-January 2017. To guarantee a good result it is important for us to know, what we choose this year will fit in with our purpose. We can do it by dedicating our plans, the word of God teaches us, that many is the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21) above all our plans we want the purpose of the Lord to stand in our lives, we can start committing our New Year’s resolution to God through Fasting and prayer and allow God to refine what is on our hearts.
Herewith 3 reasons why you should fast and pray.
1. Fasting draws you closer to God
When we draw close to God, He draws close to us, like sheep that knows their shepherds voice so we will know the voice of our God. And the promise, "I know the plans I have for you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future" (Jeremiah 29:11) will manifest itself in our daily lives. We will become more focused, will easily be able to distinguish the will of God and move away from the things that lures us to self destruction.
2. For spiritual strength
The year ahead will require you to be strong but not just strong but spiritually strong. There will come a time where you will have to rise up and make your requests known to God. You will have to come in prayer and fasting to cast out the things that no longer needs to be in your life. Jesus disciples asked him once, why they could not cast out an unclean spirit. Jesus replied that this kind of unclean spirit could only be cast out by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9: 23-29)
As we reflect we should question ourselves, is there something I tried to writ myself off but there was no success, if our answer is yes, it is time to commit in prayer and fasting.
3. Petition
Most probably the most beautiful thing to do for anyone is to come before the throne of Grace and petition for others. Praying for friends, family and the world, for healing or to know Jesus personally. One of the most beautiful examples of petitioning is Jesus Christ praying for us His followers in John 17:6-27 "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you...." WOW, you were thought of and prayed of before you were even formed in your mothers womb.
Remember when we fast it is “..... to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily;your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58: 6-8)
Question you might have?
Must I tell people I’m fasting?
Fasting is something sacred between you and God. Therefore it should be a personal and private decision. Not do it because of everyone or for reason to make yourself appear spiritually superior. God’s word clearly says that we should not do it because we want to look as if we “spiritual” instead we should anoint our heads, wash our faces (look normal, not starved) do it in secret and God will reward us in the open. (Matthew 6:18 – 18)
However, there were times, where families and churches came together in agreement to pray and fast. The early church fasted and prayed for Paul and Barnabas’ ministry (Acts 13) The word of God promises where two or three are gathered He is sure to be with us. (Matthew 18:20)
At times you will come alone and other times you will stand in agreement with your sisters and brothers in Christ.
How often should I fast?
How many times you fast all depends on our need for Spiritual strength, revelation or break through in your life and that of others. Therefore it could be once or more then once like Paul, read (2 Corinthians 11:27).
My prayer is that you choose to fast so that you can be victorious over the things you have been called to do.
Will you accept the invitation to fast?
If you have a health condition. please consult your doctor.