21 days - Fasting & PrayerEsimerkki

Spiritual authority and breakthroughs through fasting

Read Matthew 17:14-21.

In some translations of the Bible, Verse 21 still contains the statement of Jesus: “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

We know from the Bible that Jesus had an intense prayer life and many assume that due to this statement that His authority in freeing the boy was based on a lifestyle of fasting and prayer.

Many Christians notice while fasting that their relationship with God becomes more intense and closer to Him, which results in stronger faith resulting in a stronger position of authority. Through regular fasting, for no specific purpose, our connection with God becomes ever deeper and closer, which results in an increase of authority.

So, there is a connection between fasting and spiritual authority – even if we cannot enforce authority.

Have you already experienced a breakthrough during this fasting in your own life, or witnessed it in the life of others? With fasting, it can be a bit like muscle-building in the gym. If you look at your muscles after two weeks, you won’t see much. But if you keep at it and make it to your lifestyle, then you will feel the effects after a few months. Sometimes when you’re building muscle, others suddenly speak to you because they have noticed that something has changed – this can also happen to you with a lifestyle of fasting and prayer.

Maybe you see few effects right now and are still waiting for the breakthroughs you hoped for. Sometimes a breakthrough begins with an apparently small change which later paves the way for further development.

Pray boldly for yourself and others with the certainty and faith that Jesus Himself has given you authority.

The mission of Jesus: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.” (Matthew 10:8) still applies today. In some situations, the disciples returned enthusiastically, because they had experienced how miracles happened through them. Here they had prayed and nothing happened. Maybe you feel like the disciples, that you took a bold step, and your experience didn't work out. Just like the disciples, you are also a follower of Jesus, a learner. Like the disciples, go to Jesus with the points that still don’t work out, and keep at it!