CHECK ADVERSITY THROUGH FASTING AND PRAYERS

6^th MARCH 2020

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness; to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free,  and to break every yoke? 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? 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 rearguard” – Isaiah 58:6-8

While still moving on with Lent observances, and praying for God’s intervention and reconciliation, remember that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord God delivers him from them all! This brings us to the reason we sometimes fast and pray, especially during a season like Lent. Fasting helps us to cross difficult terrain or to overcome perennial problems. According to today’s word, fasting breaks the yoke! When we fast and pray during this period, therefore, let us also remember to pray for others, especially our enemies. By way of emphasis, please understand me as saying that when we pray and fast for the good of our enemies, our problems easily get solved. By praying for others, you are focusing the power of the Holy Spirit on your problems one million times. Jesus says, pray for your enemies and for those who persecute you! When we come together to pray and fast for the good of our enemies for instance, we overcome our multiple problems by the power of our combined Spirit. There is no doubt that we do have problems confronting us and in any event, problems would always come up at some point in our life. But these problems are easily solved when we come out of our comfort zone to assist and pray for others to overcome their infirmities or problems, simultaneously as we pray for ourselves. We derive great benefits from fasting if done properly, especially by praying for others during the period. When we fast, we do not just abstain from food, we give all we ought to eat and drink for that period to the less privileged ones. By so doing, we are touching lives when it is most difficult for us to do so. The word of God, however, reminds us today of the benefits of fasting and prayers. Do you have a problem to solve or needing a spiritual revival? Do you want to achieve a more righteous life and positive testimonies? Do you need the glory of the Lord, to protect you from the evil ones? This is the time to pray and fast together for our individuals and common good. But remember, as you pray and fast for yourself concerning the things that you desire, also pray for others with similar problems, your perceived enemies or those who are afflicted generally. Most importantly, remember that fasting does not give you a blank cheque from God. Fasting makes you receive from God according to His will and Grace.

 PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I submit to you throughout this season of fasting and prayers. I need your Grace and miracle in my life and in my family. Touch me in a special way and let your will be done in my life and throughout the whole world. AMEN.

FURTHER READING:  I Corinthians 7:5