Matthew 17:19-21
19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said,
Why could not we cast him out?
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your
unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have
faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto
this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it
shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto
you.
21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and
fasting.
In this particular case, the demon was exceptionally malicious and obdurate. Jesus seems to be saying that a determined foe must be met with an equally determined faith. Prayer is a ready weapon in the spiritual battle, and fasting helps to focus prayer and give it resolve.
The theology of fasting is a theology of priorities in which believers are given the opportunity to express themselves in an undivided and intensive devotion to the Lord and to the concerns of spiritual life. This devotion will be expressed by abstaining for a short while from such normal and good things as food and drink, so as to enjoy a time of uninterrupted communion with our Father. Our “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19), whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that “better thing” which is ours in Christ. Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or a duty, but rather a celebration of God's goodness and mercy to His children.
Physical Benefits of Fasting
- Lose weight and belly fat:
According to many studies, losing weight has shown to be possible and effective when fasting. Fasting allows the body to burn fat for energy when there is no sugar or food. Fasting can enhance hormone function to help with weight loss. Increased amounts of norepinephrine, lower insulin levels, and an increase of hormone levels all contribute to the breakdown of body fat. Multiple athletes fast to lose body fat percentage efficiently.
- Improves brain function and mental clarity:
Fasting has shown to improve brain performance because it boosts a protein called BDNF (brain- derived neurotrophic factor). BNDF activates the brain stem cells to convert into new neurons and stimulates other chemicals that promote neural health. Studies have also shown that it can increase the growth of new nerve cells, which could have benefits of brain functions.
- Improves insulin sensitivity/ lowering risk of type 2 diabetes:
Fasting has shown to have a positive effect on insulin resistance, enabling you to tolerate carbs better than normal. Fasting has been shown to have crucial benefits for insulin sensitivity and can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels.
- May help prevent cancer:
There is some evidence on cancer patients, showing that fasting reduces various side effects of chemotherapy. Despite the fact there are human studies needed to be done, promising evidence from animal studies shows that fasting may help prevent cancer.
- May help you live longer:
Studies have shown how the lifespan of people in certain cultures increased due to their diets. Studies in rats have shown that fasting extends their lifespan. In some other studies, rats who have fasted lived 83% longer than rats who haven’t fasted.
- May be beneficial for your cardio health:
Heart disease is a worldwide killer. Fasting has shown to improve countless risk factors, such as blood pressure, LDL and total cholesterol, blood triglycerides and more.
- Can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body:
Oxidative stress enhances aging and many chronic disease. Multiple studies show that fasting may enhance the body’s resistance to oxidative stress.
- Improves blood fat levels:
In 1997 the Annals of Nutrition Metabolism demonstrated that fasting lowered bad cholesterol, LDL, by 8 percent, triglycerides by 30%, and increase good cholesterol, HDL, by 14%. Fasting may be the perfect time to reprogram your body to get to eating healthy.
- Can help improve eating patterns:
With today’s food abundances, people have developed multiple eating disorders such as binge eating. Fasting all day and eating at a set time and allow yourself to eat appropriately.
- Can curb hunger:
Fasting helps regulate the hormones in your body so that you understand what true hunger is. Fasting can be like a reset button- the longer you fast, the more your body can regulate itself and correct hormones. It will also help you get full quicker.
I suggest water (and tea) only fasting for 5-6 days.
The Grim Reaper Preacher says, "Try reading the Bible from cover to cover - you'll like it."
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Amen! This so great about fasting. I have taken a while without fasting. I better do so courtesy of this inspiration.
Fasting also helps to crucify the flesh and all its lusts which brings about more humility and focus unto God.
Fasting is a dimension of loving God.
Thanks so much sir @deathlyhorror for sharing.
If you look at the impact of fasting on the saints and even the Messiah, fasting has the supernatural ability to endue you with power.
Dear @deathlyhorror,
My ministry, "Just Pray NO!" sponsors an international prayer and
fasting event each year.
The weekend of April 7– 8, 2018 has been designated as the 28th Annual “Just Pray NO!” to drugs Worldwide Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for the addicted and their families.
Addiction in America is an ever increasing national crisis! Millions of Americans have addictions. 115 people die every day from overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past 20 years.
Not only is substance abuse America’s number one health problem, the devastation of alcoholism and other drug addiction has impacted families and communities worldwide.
“Information on the Annual Worldwide Weekend of Prayer” or email: [email protected]To find help for addiction through prayer and Christian ministries log on to our web site: http://www.justprayno.org. To learn how groups can participate in our annual prayer event, click on
Thank you and bless you, Steven L. Sherman, Founder "Just Pray NO!" @lastdays
Well, I'm fasting this week so I probably won't fast again so soon on April 7-8, but I will definitely pray for the addicted - great cause.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Todah Rabah - Thank you very much!
When you fast, your flesh submit to your spirit!
Really nice post. Thank you so much. I've learned from your post
Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you.
Remain blessed.
Yea,that's true,prayer is the key to every successive endeavour
YES! I wish I could find a Lou Engle meme of Him saying "FASTING AND PRAYER!" LOL
Fasting tenderizes our spirit and positions ourself in a place to receive more from God! The fasted life is the way to go! The way that leads to life! Life more abundantly!
The_Rewards_of_Fasting-_Mike_Bickle.pdf I would STRONGLY recommend this book (free) to anyone who wants to learn more about the rewards of fasting. http://www.mikebickle.org.edgesuite.net/MikeBickleVOD/Books/Book_-
Fasting not only empowers us, but also cleanses us to be filled with the Spirit of God and is responsible for doing all things possible in the name of our Lord. The Lord bless you.
The scriptures mandated we Christians to fast.
Fasting put you into the best possible position for a breakthrough
Wonderful post .. Without knowing the theory I have seen these benefits in practice, also the skin becomes super clean and spiritually I have seen Belzebu flee from my family. God bless you.
@deathlyhorror! This Indeed is Holy Spirit Inspired! More grace daddy
Great. Love it that you proclaim the physical benefits of fasting. God's will for us never benefits us on only one level ...
Would like to add that prayer and fasting is not a strategy to twist God's arm to do something He was not inclined to do. It is a way for us to get to a place of greater submission, connection and focus, enabling us to flow with Him better. And as a result, accomplish more of His will and greater victories.
I am amaze with all this physical benefit you have mention about fasting. "Fasting of the body is food for the soul." It enable us gain more control of our fleshly desires. Thanks for sharing brother @deathlyhorror.
Blessings.
I love to read Isaiah 58 when fasting. Not in a religious way, but I give what I would have eaten to the poor.
You spoke of health benefits.
Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily:
One day I was reading some of the promises that come with the fast and I was promoted to look at a literal version of the Bible.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. KJV
YLT) Then thou callest, and Jehovah answereth, Thou criest, and He saith, 'Behold Me.
P
Hallelujah! God bless!
Fasting renew christian power.
What i know about fasting spiritually in most cases the persisting problems in our life go away with fasting .Fasting also helps our spirit to connect with the holy spirit since the body is so weak i dont like fasting because i love food but with the benefits entailed i will stop that
Thanks @ deathlyhorror
"Our “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19), whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that “better thing” which is ours in Christ. Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or a duty, but rather a celebration of God's goodness and mercy to His children."
Wooooow! I like this lines above. They are pure truth. Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or duty but a normal life style to believers for our spiritual sensitivity. Thanks for sharing.
Hey great job man. Thank you for the information. It is really helpful. Keep up the good work. I;m proud of you and you deserve my upvote
Good post.
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