Moving right along with 31 Days of Fasting in January, we are almost there! You can read posts you have missed by clicking here.
We have discovered that prayer and fasting together have the power to tear down strongholds, to shake heaven and give us strength to overcome. Today, let’s look at Saul, who later became the great Apostle Paul. You can read the entire story here in Acts 9.
Saul was the biggest persecutor of the early Church. He didn’t just talk about his hatred of Christians, he literally had them hauled out of their homes and into the streets, beaten and then sent to prison! He showed no mercy. On the road to Damascus, he and those traveling with him were struck by a blinding light. The Lord asked him why he was persecuting Him and instructed Paul to go into the city where he would be told what to do.
It is not clear whether Saul (who was later called Paul) chose this particular fast or not. We will assume that he did. After an encounter like he had just experienced, who would feel like eating? He waits the three days. He cannot see. He isn’t eating, and he isn’t drinking.
We can be sure he is doing quite a bit of thinking.
“What is going on? What is going to happen to ME? I have been persecuting these people that are chosen of God for years and now I find out who HE really is. The Messiah! What is HE going to do with ME? Go into the city and wait? Wait, for what?”
Jesus did have plans for Saul. Without Saul, (here Jesus changes his name to Paul), we wouldn’t have 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. Jesus had intentions for him to be the rocket that would help launch the Gospel around the world. As he stood before King Agrippa, Paul explained to him in detail what happened on that road so long ago.
“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:16-18 KJV.
For this purpose: To open their eyes just as Paul’s eyes were opened.
We have the ability through prayer and fasting, to help open the eyes of those that are lost, those that are blinded by the darkness of this world, and help them to see the Light and the Truth that is in Jesus Christ.
God wants to deliver them from this darkness and bring them into His Kingdom.
That is where we come in. We must have a burden for souls, which only comes out of consistent prayer and fasting.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV.
Humbling ourselves, denying ourselves, realizing without Him we are nothing but with Him we are powerful and unstoppable…then He will heal our land! Prayer and fasting can set our friends, neighbors, and family free from the chains that have them bound so they can be like Paul: their eyes can be opened to see Truth and see who Jesus really is.
Be blessed as you fast unto the Lord. You are breaking chains in the spirit world and preparing yourself to be used in the Kingdom.
Don’t forget to grab your copy of The Daniel Fast Devotional! Good for any fast, it is a great, simple read with devotions for every day of a three week fast. Get yours on Amazon here!
