Episode 2-38: Fasting Creates Breakthrough

Welcome Back! I am Dawn Simmons and in this episode of Conquering Our Unseen Enemies we are going to be discussing how fasting not only deepens your relationship with the Lord but also serves to counterattack the enemy’s plans over you, your family, your church, your business, anywhere you are involved or have a heart to protect or build.  Our discussion will center around what fasting is, how we can include that in our lives and why we want to include it in our lives. 

As always let’s discuss our Top Show Points:

·      Discussion on fasting: who did it, why we should consider it, what it is and what it is not.

·      Read from Chapter 1 of my book Loving Conversations: How to Pray and Hear God’s Voice where I am discussing a 21 Day Daniel Fast

·      Talked about the Bible greats Fasted

·      Looked at Jesus as example and his fasting for 40 days in the wilderness. His ministry began with power and authority and miracles. 

·      Fasting is simply abstaining from, generally food, for a spiritual purpose.  I say generally because we can also abstain from other things that would be acceptable for a fast, like abstaining from our phones for a period so that we can instead devote that time to the Lord. 

·      Fasting is meant for everyone. 

·      Romans 12:1 “ to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”

·      When our heart is right, so our motives to fast, are genuine, fasting is a source of release

·      Listed 13 actions produced by fasting, such as breakthrough

·      Fasting is a powerful weapon.  The enemy doesn’t want us to fast.

·      Matthew 6:16, discussing being discreet about fasting

·      The obstacles of fasting: self-control, doubt, discouragement, selfish desires, rebellion, don’t forget about pride. 

·      I consider fasting as if I am sowing into my relationship with the Lord. 

·      You can fast for breakthrough or whatever your specific petition is for yourself.  You can fast for an outcome for someone else like healing or a job.  You can fast for your church.  You can fast for an event, so the outcome is what the Lord wants.  You can fast for a list of things. 

·      You can tailor them to your schedule. 

·      There are 4 basic types of fasts.

1.     Complete Fast: no food no water, this should be rare and dr approved

2.     Normal fast: no food, just liquids

3.     Partial fast: no meat, only veggies, or time dictated

4.     Custom fast: no coffee, no soda, one meal, easier for people with health concerns

·      Don’t forget you can do any or all of these with non-food items as well.  It just needs to be something that is a sacrifice of some sort so it is authentic.

·      It’s not a work, don’t see it as a works-based activity.  It’s a heart-based activity where you will receive more back than you will ever give up.  

·      Commit to putting it on the calendar and decide what kind of fast you are going to do and let Him move in your life

We encourage you:

·       To have an active Bible reading plan, it will be helpful in gaining wisdom and understanding and it is required for the gift of spiritual discernment

·       If you want to learn more about how to Hear God's Voice, take a look at my book, Loving Conversations: How to Pray and Hear God's Voice.  There is also a Study Guide available and two devotionals out based on the Loving Conversations Book.  One devotional is for women and one is for men.  Those are available on the website www.lovingconversationssalo.com.

·       Follow us in Instagram

I have enjoyed our time this week and look forward to spending time with you again next week!

  For the full episode, click the player below.