To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:4) Dearly beloved, when we fast and pray, we must humble ourselves before the presence of God. Then He will grant us victory.
We read about a king called Jehoshaphat in the Bible. He loved God with all his heart
(II Chronicles 20:18). Once when his enemies rose up against him, he proclaimed a fast for all Judah to seek God’s help.
(II Chronicles 20:1-4). He prayed thus:
“O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you" (II Chronicles 20:12). He humbled himself in the presence of God.
When King Jehoshaphat gathered everyone and praised God, the Holy Spirit came down in their midst and said,
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem” (II Chronicles 20: 17). This is how the Holy Spirit spoke with them and encouraged them. Being encouraged, King Jehoshaphat began to sing praises to God. As a result, He destroyed all his enemies.
Some people observe fasting as a ritual on Fridays. They involve themselves in their daily routine as usual. But on the other hand Ezra says,
“There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions” (Ezra 8:21). First of all, we must humble ourselves before God. Then we must close the door of our room, fast and pray for our family and other needs. This is the way to fast and pray.
There lived a family of believers. All of them loved God with all their hearts. The head of that family suddenly fell sick and was admitted in a hospital. The doctor who examined him told them,
“Please take him back home, we cannot save him.” Reluctantly, they took him back home and laid him in a cot in the hall of their house. They stood around his cot and prayed with fasting. They began to count all the blessings that they have received from God and praised Him with gratitude. However, the head of the family was lying motionless in his bed.
Suddenly a miracle happened. They heard a whispering noise from him. As they intensified their praises, he was resurrected in his body, soul and spirit. He slowly got up and sat on the cot and started praising God. Then he started walking and praising Him. The Lord resurrected him that day. It is the faith, fasting, prayer and praises of the members of that family which were responsible for this miracle.
When you are chased by your enemies, the Lord will make you triumph over them. All you have to do is to cling on to Him with fasting. Also start praising Him with all your heart. Then you shall experience victory. When Lazarus died, the Lord resurrected him and caused his sisters, Martha and Mary, to rejoice. Through their testimony, He resurrected many others in that city. Please do not stop with the blessings that you receive from the Lord. Instead arise and shine for Him. He will certainly make you a channel of blessings to many.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,
I praise You for You are mighty and powerful. I seek your help amidst my adverse situation. I humble myself before You. I am powerless to overcome this trial. Respond to my prayer by fighting the battle for me. Protect me from harm and give me victory over my adversity. Grant me deliverance through your divine intervention.
In Your matchless name I pray.
Amen.
By: Dr. Shine David
