Fasting

Memory verse: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psa. 27:14
Introduction:  Fasting is an inseparable principle from spiritual advancement, and helpful for health benefits as well. No mighty man/woman ever got to or maintains his/her prowess without it. Ask those who have won and continue to remain in political circles of any country. They have denied themselves some form of comfort: sleep, food, money, or a quiet life. Many times, the Lord has had to ensure His people fasted, or permitted to go through lack before they had RESTORATION.
The prodigal son enjoyed the luxury of life while his spiritual being languished in poverty. As soon as he became so impoverished to the point of “longed to eat the pods that were meant for the swine”, he came to himself. Deprivations seem to possess a message that plenty, blinds us from. It is better to choose to deny yourself than to go through such forceful training. We shall consider this elementary principle and more during this study and how it will help us to get restored this year. 
  • How does God view over-indulgence generally?                                                                          Deut 32:13-15, Mat 4:2; 1Cor 7:5
  • Is there any link between fasting and gaining control of your circumstances? 2Chron 20:1-3, Esther 4:3; Ps 35:13; Dan 6:18, 9:1-3; Matt 9:15,17:20,21; Acts 14:23
  • What gives fasting the basis for spiritual advancement?  Acts 10:30, Isa 58:6
  • Benefits to self.    Isa 58:8-12; 2Cor 3:18; Isa 40:31
Only a fool continues to face life the same way and expects to get different results; so also with our spiritual advancement. We can only go so far as we have been able to tarry in the presence of the Lord. Get some quality time within the “busy” schedule of life and gain insights to make life easier and better for you. One wise man had said, “I am so busy that it is important I give God the first three hours of the day.” Think about that.



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