1 Samuel 7:8-9
8 They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.”9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.
PRAYER
When it comes to prayer, Jesus is our role model. In order to be victorious over the enemy and operate in signs, wonders, miracles, words of wisdom knowledge and prophecy we have to spend time alone with God, in prayer and in the Word. Prayer enables us to know the will of God and provides a time and space for the Holy Spirit to minster to us and refill us. Lets take a look at Jesus' prayer life.
Luke 6:12
12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God
Matthew 14:23
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there
Mark 1:35
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Jesus' model is not easy to follow by any stretch of the imagination but it is possible to achieve with the help of the Holy Spirit. To live a life of prayer and fasting takes sacrifice. We have to be willing to crucify our flesh, put aside every distraction and humbly sit at Jesus' feet in complete surrender in order to hear His still small voice. In hearing we receive the strategies we need to overcome the enemy in every battle and receive the vision that ensures blessing and life: Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (discouraged, perish), But happy is he who keeps the law. (Ref Habakkuk 2:1-3). Knowing God's will in any given situation brings peace and enables us to persevere through all of life's challenges and to patiently await breakthrough.
FASTING
Jesus' model included fasting with prayer. In Matthew 17:14-21 we read about a boy possessed by a type of demon that the disciples were unable to cast out. When Jesus' disciples asked why they were unable to drive out the demon, Jesus said "...this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting". What's interesting to note is that Jesus did not fast immediately before this encounter, yet He was able to cast out the demon. He succeeded where the disciples failed because He lived a lifestyle of prayer and fasting and He had faith. Jesus' relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit produced the faith that was needed to operate in the supernatural. Likewise, if we live a lifestyle of prayer and fasting coupled with faith, we will be able to do what Jesus did and greater (John 14:12).
In Matthew 4:1-11 we read about Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. For forty days and nights Jesus fasted and prayed and when Satan came to tempt him, he proclaimed scripture against the enemies attack. Luke 4:13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. 14 And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. When we need to overcome the enemy in our lives, fasting coupled with prayer and the Word is a powerful tool to ensure victory and to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
If you have been in a long season of warfare and waiting, you are not alone! Take courage, for Jesus who is our great High Priest knows what you are going through, so "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" 1 Peter 4:12-13. This season, as difficult as it is, is part of God's purpose and plan! He will work it all out for good if you do not give up (Romans 8:28). Strengthen yourself in the LORD as David did at Ziklag when it seemed all was lost and his army spoke of stoning him (1 Samuel 30:6). You are not alone, God will fight for you. There are far more with you than against you and the One who is in you is greater than anything you will face in this world.
Continue to live a life of prayer and fasting following Jesus' example and you will perceive God's hand at work on your behalf. Even if you do not see it or feel it, believe that He is working. In His prefect timing you will experience His deliverance, blessing, breakthrough and answer to prayer. He is your shield and exceedingly great reward. He is your Protector, Defender, Vindicator, Restorer, Miracle Worker and Promise Keeper. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. He wants to help you get to a place where you trust in Him completely and know the power and authority that you have in Him, so that no matter what comes your way, you will not be shaken; you will not be moved and you will have peace amidst the storms of life.
I leave you with our opening scripture and encourage you to continue to cry out to the LORD. Surrender the timing and outcome to God and know, without a shadow of a doubt, He will come through for you! 1 Samuel 7:8-9 8 They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.”9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him".
God bless you!
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