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Fasting, throughout biblical history, has been a powerful tool used by men and women of God to draw near to Him, intercede for their needs, and experience spiritual revival. It is not just about abstaining from food or pleasures, but about creating space for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. It is a spiritual discipline that refines the soul and connects us more deeply to God’s purpose and power.

1. Fasting: An Act of Intimacy and Consecration (Matthew 6:17)
   In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that fasting should not be done for others to see. When He says, “anoint your head and wash your face,” He emphasizes that fasting is a private act, between the believer and God. It is a time of consecration where the focus should be on the eternal, not the temporary. During fasting, we learn to depend entirely on God, setting aside our physical needs and seeking more of His presence.
   Fasting done in secret leads to an open reward from the Lord—not necessarily material, but spiritual. The physical hunger we experience during fasting is a reminder of our greater spiritual hunger: a thirst for God’s righteousness, His guidance, and His intervention in our lives.
2. A Cry for Justice and Restoration (Isaiah 58:1)
   True fasting that pleases God goes beyond abstinence. In Isaiah 58, God confronts the people about the superficiality of their fasts. Though they fasted, they did so without a change of heart. The Lord does not seek just external sacrifice; He desires fasting to be accompanied by genuine repentance, a cry for justice, and holiness.
   The fasting that moves God’s heart is one that is paired with a just lifestyle, where our actions reflect mercy and kindness toward others. It is when we set aside oppression, selfishness, and sin, and begin to walk in the love and compassion that God demands.
3. Fasting: Key to Spiritual Victory (Mark 9:25-29)
   In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples a profound lesson on spiritual warfare. When they were unable to deliver a young boy from a demon, Jesus explained that this type of situation could only be resolved through prayer and fasting. This type of fasting is not a mechanical ritual but a heart posture that recognizes that without God’s supernatural intervention, we are powerless against certain spiritual battles.
   Fasting prepares us for these battles, making us more sensitive to God’s voice and strengthening our faith. As we weaken physically, our spirit grows stronger, and we learn to rely more deeply on God’s power. Fasting combined with prayer leads us to a place of greater spiritual authority.
4. Overcoming Unbelief and Perversity (Matthew 17:17)
   In Matthew 17:17, Jesus expresses His frustration with an unbelieving and perverse generation. Unbelief is often an obstacle that prevents us from seeing the mighty works of God. Fasting is not only a tool to fight against external influences but also to overcome our own doubts and internal weaknesses. It helps to realign our faith, renew our minds, and remind us that God is sovereign and capable of doing the impossible.
   Fasting helps us discern God’s will and align ourselves with it, removing the unbelief that may have taken root in our hearts. It opens our spiritual eyes to see God’s supernatural work in the midst of our circumstances.

Sincerely,
Pastor Guillermo Ayala

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 6:17: “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.”
• Isaiah 58:1: “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.”
• Mark 9:25-29: “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.’”
• Matthew 17:17: “‘You unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.’”