In Jesus’ teachings concerning the Beatitudes, which means “attitudes be,” He taught about many subjects in Chapters 5 and 6 of Matthew.  In Chapter 6:16-18 He gave instructions on how to fast and its rewards.

Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”  KJV

In Luke Chapter 4, Jesus went into the wilderness:

1. Filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus came out after defeating satan in three areas — spirit, soul and body declaring, “It is written” in the power of the Holy Spirit!

There is a clear difference between “being filled,” and operating “in the power of the Holy Spirit.”  We know the secret of His Presence is the secret of His Power!

Fasting sharpens the focus of our prayers and our accuracy in discerning what to do. In my own life in 1974, while working for IBM, I went on a three-day fast for clarity of the Holy Spirit’s voice.  I desired to hear the Lord more accurately and by the time the fast ended I received clarity and it was easier to “tune in” to the Holy Spirit.  Fasting worked!  What a blessing it was to hear more clearly!

Another personal example of how fasting helped was in 1985 while pastoring a growing church.  I fasted for three days without food or water (an Esther fast) followed by a no-food fast for 10 days.  It was a time of truly seeking God for His wisdom and help in pastoring a fast-growing church.  Again God was faithful and it was totally worth the inconvenience, self-denial and sacrifice.

Let’s look at eight reasons to fast:

1. In obedience to God’s Word.
2. To humble ourselves before God and obtain His grace and favor.
3. To overcome temptations that could keep us from moving into God’s Power.
4. To be purified from sin.
5. To receive God’s power for strength.
6. To release the anointing to accomplish His will.
7. To help us in times of crisis.
8. To seek God’s direction.
9. To understand divine revelations.

When we take the low position in fasting, we open the door for God to take the high position in our lives.  He becomes our main focus and priority.

Fasting is seeking His Face — not His Hand.  We want His Glory and Presence!  Humble thyself — then position yourself!

Many times “unbelief and certain demonic strongholds” will only be broken through fasting.

Mark 9:25-29 – “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. “ KJV

Benefits of Fasting:

1. You will see life’s priorities more clearly.
2. Selfish ambition and pride will wash away.
3. You will be more sensitive to God’s Spirit.
4. Weaknesses will leave and boldness will come.
5. Clarity will be revealed as to the will of God in your situation.
6. Deliverance from demonic oppression.