MEMORISE: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21
BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
MESSAGE:
Many young people intentionally avoid fasting due to laziness ora lack of discipline. However, fasting is one of the spiritual exercises needed in the journey of faith. In today’s Bible reading, Apostle Paul listed some of the things he had done or gone through that enabled him to become the influential apostle that he was, and among them, he mentioned fasting. The Bible also tells us that Some victories and breakthroughs will not happen without prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-21).
Fasting has many great benefits. It helps discipline the flesh and enables a person to yield more to the Holy Spirit. Those who fast frequently see their decrees come to pass quickly. There is a level of fasting you will attain, and your enemies will not be able to touch you. Jesus, while He was on earth, fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. If you desire to do great works like He did, prepare to live a life that is marked by fasting.
My dear child, if you are not accustomed to fasting, I encourage you today to start getting used to it. You have the strength and energy to fast now; therefore, make it a habit to fast at least once a week. You can download some prayer points and use your Bible reading plan to study while fasting. This is necessary because without praying and studying God’s word, your fasting will be no more than a hunger strike.
Quiz: Name one benefit of fasting.
KEY POINT:
Fasting brings you closer to God and strengthens your spirit.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Corinthians 11:23-27