Fasting together: Changed! January 31. Mix of emotions. You can read all of our previous posts here!

You did it! Even if you were tempted to cheat, accidentally forgot, or even purposely went off of the fast and back on again, you have accomplished something amazing. Do not beat yourself up if you weren’t perfect during the fast. You will be more diligent as you continue to make fasting a regular part of your spiritual and physical lifestyle.

Fasting has so many health benefits. Some studies show it is effective against cancer; it could also reduce the risk of developing cancer, guard against diabetes and heart disease, help control asthma and even help ward off Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

We do not take the best care of ourselves with our hectic lifestyles and eat-on-the-run schedules. Regular fasting will detox your body and get rid of poisons. It gives your digestive system a much needed rest. It will reduce your blood sugar, which will in turn break down fat. It can even correct high blood pressure and will definitely improve your immunity.

There are spiritual benefits that are out of this world!

• Has the Lord spoken to your heart during the fast?
• Have prayers been answered?
• Do you feel as if you have drawn closer to the Savior?

Even if you started your fast for a particular reason, and still do not see an answer, do not despair. God will answer at just the right time, always ON time.

Fasting is never wasted before the Lord if it is done for the right reasons. We have mentioned many times that it is so much more than just going without food. If that is all you are doing then it truly was just a diet program.

But when you are desperate for a move of God in your life, fasting will help bring those results!

Fasting helps move everything else out of the way so you can hear HIS voice more clearly. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV.

Fasting will break strongholds in the demonic world!

The disciples could not cast the evil spirit out and had to get Jesus to help. That is when He told them it would take prayer AND fasting.

The prophet Daniel found out how real it was when the angel showed up to meet with him after his 21 day fast: “Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:12-13 KJV.

Fasting will definitely strengthen your prayer life. It will help you die out to the flesh and be sensitive to the power of the Holy Spirit.

I pray this month of devotion has been a blessing to you, no matter how often, how many days or which way you chose to fast. And I hope WE ALL will continue to draw closer to the Lord through regular fasting and prayer.

Plenty more available in my book, The Daniel Fast, A Devotional. Check it out!