Matthew 6:14-18
Forgiveness is such a key component of our walk with God. We must be willing to extend the same forgiveness we have received from Him. In matters of prayer, Jesus often instructs us to examine our hearts and make sure we are not holding anything against anyone. When unforgiveness resides in our hearts, it blocks us from receiving all that God has for us.
When we fast—once again, not if we fast—we are not to make a spectacle of it or announce it to everyone. Fasting is often done in conjunction with prayer and for the purpose of prayer. It has a way of helping us tap into the supernatural because it brings our bodies into submission—the very thing that often holds us back. In one instance, Jesus directly tied fasting to the disciples’ inability to cast out a certain kind of demon.
I remember a story told by a well-known pastor, evangelist, teacher, and missionary, Lester Sumrall, whom I had the privilege of hearing in person. In 1953, while ministering in the Philippines, he was called to a Philippine jail to minister to Clarita Villanueva, a seventeen-year-old girl who was severely demon-possessed. The demons would bite and torment her, leaving visible teeth marks on her skin.
During his first encounter, he realized he was not spiritually prepared to cast the demons out. So he fasted and prayed for three days. Afterward, he successfully cast them out. This deliverance, reported internationally in the news, led to a massive revival in the Philippines. A movie was even made about it. Fasting and prayer made the difference in whether this young girl would be set free.
What are we not free from? We must be willing to bring our flesh into submission so that we may experience deliverance from the things that bind us—and so that we can help others who are bound. Jesus said:
“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” —Mark 16:17–18 (NLT)
Yet, as always, the instruction is to do these things not to draw attention to ourselves, but so that the glory of God may be revealed through us. When we give, pray, and fast, we are to do so in secret, so that our Father who sees everything will reward us openly. Lester’s obedience in praying and fasting for three days in a hotel room led to a powerful, visible manifestation of God’s glory and sparked revival.
We are challenged to do the same.
When we fast—once again, not if we fast—we are not to make a spectacle of it or announce it to everyone. Fasting is often done in conjunction with prayer and for the purpose of prayer. It has a way of helping us tap into the supernatural because it brings our bodies into submission—the very thing that often holds us back. In one instance, Jesus directly tied fasting to the disciples’ inability to cast out a certain kind of demon.
I remember a story told by a well-known pastor, evangelist, teacher, and missionary, Lester Sumrall, whom I had the privilege of hearing in person. In 1953, while ministering in the Philippines, he was called to a Philippine jail to minister to Clarita Villanueva, a seventeen-year-old girl who was severely demon-possessed. The demons would bite and torment her, leaving visible teeth marks on her skin.
During his first encounter, he realized he was not spiritually prepared to cast the demons out. So he fasted and prayed for three days. Afterward, he successfully cast them out. This deliverance, reported internationally in the news, led to a massive revival in the Philippines. A movie was even made about it. Fasting and prayer made the difference in whether this young girl would be set free.
What are we not free from? We must be willing to bring our flesh into submission so that we may experience deliverance from the things that bind us—and so that we can help others who are bound. Jesus said:
“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” —Mark 16:17–18 (NLT)
Yet, as always, the instruction is to do these things not to draw attention to ourselves, but so that the glory of God may be revealed through us. When we give, pray, and fast, we are to do so in secret, so that our Father who sees everything will reward us openly. Lester’s obedience in praying and fasting for three days in a hotel room led to a powerful, visible manifestation of God’s glory and sparked revival.
We are challenged to do the same.
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