BREAK THE YOKE THROUGH FASTING AND PRAYERS

24th FEBRUARY 2023

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness; to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard” – Isaiah 58:6-8 

As observed during periods like the Lenten season, fasting and prayers are a time to pray for God’s intervention and reconciliation. Remember that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord God delivers him from them all! That brings us to why we sometimes fast and pray, especially during a season like Lent.

 Fasting helps us to cross over difficult terrain or to overcome lingering problems. The bible says fasting breaks the yoke! When we fast and pray during this period, therefore, we break the yoke in our lives. During this period, let us also pray for others, especially our enemies. By way of emphasis, please understand me as saying that when we pray and fast for the good of our enemies, our problems easily get solved. By praying for others, you are focusing the power of the Holy Spirit on your problems one million times!

 Jesus says, pray for your enemies and for those who persecute you! When we come together to pray and fast for the good of our enemies, for instance, we overcome our multiple problems by the power of our combined Spirit. 

There is no doubt that we do have problems confronting us and, in any event, problems would always come up at some point in our life. But these problems are easily solved when we come out of our comfort zone to assist and pray for others to overcome their infirmities or problems, simultaneously as we pray for ourselves.

Therefore, we derive significant benefits from fasting if appropriately done, especially by praying for others during the period. When we fast, we do not just abstain from food; we give all we ought to eat and drink for that period to the less privileged ones. By so doing, we are touching lives when it is most difficult for us to do so. 

However, the word of God reminds us today of the benefits of fasting and prayers. Do you have a problem to solve or need a spiritual revival? Do you want to achieve a more righteous life and positive testimonies? Do you need the glory of the Lord to protect you from the evil ones? This is the time to pray and fast together for individuals and the common good. 

But remember, as you pray and fast for yourself concerning the things you desire, also pray for others with similar problems, your perceived enemies, or those afflicted generally. 

Most importantly, remember that fasting does not give you a blank cheque from God, and fasting makes you receive from God according to His will and Grace.

 PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I submit to you throughout this season of fasting and prayers. I need your Grace and miracle in my life and my family. Uniquely touch me and let your will be done in my life and throughout the whole world. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: I Corinthians 7:5