Today we continue our new series entitled, “The Benefits of Prayer and Fasting,” under the banner of the overall series for the year: “Expectation.” We have been looking at the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness while He was fasting. Yesterday we looked at the three temptations and how they were connected to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Today we will look at what happened after Jesus’ fast was over.
After the 40 days of fasting and being tempted of satan were over, angels came and ministered to Jesus. The Message Bible says it this way: “The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.” (Mat 4:11 MSG). Also, when Jesus’ time of testing was over and He was ready to minister to people, the fast made sure He was ready to do so. The Bible says, “Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.” (Luke 4:14 NLT). I will discuss these two scriptures today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God will minister to you when you fast.
a) After receiving the Holy Spirit, the first thing Jesus was led of the Spirit to do was to go on a 40 day fast. During this time He was tempted of satan. When the fast was over, the Father sent angels to minister to Jesus. Not only can you have angelic protection while you fast, but you can also receive angelic assistance as you recover.
b) The word “minister” means: to serve. Our goal is to minister to and for God. But when we fast, God will see to it that heaven also ministers to us. This is an amazing thing.
c) When you are led of God to go through something that leaves you feeling “spent” or “empty,” God will fill you back up. When you fast you are pouring yourself out, as you are led of God. And God will ensure you that you are filled back up and refilled over and over again.
2. Fasting helps position you to walk in the power already made available to you.
a) Jesus went into the wilderness, led of the Holy Spirit, to be tempted of satan. And when He came back, He came back full of the power of the Spirit. It was not that He received more Holy Spirit or even more power. It was just that the fast helped Jesus position Himself to walk in the power that was already made available to Him.
b) Fasting does not change or move God. Fasting changes and moves you!
c) While you are fasting, it’s not like God is going to give you more Holy Spirit or more power. If you are Born-Again, you have all the Holy Spirit and all the power you are ever going to receive. When you fast you are crucifying the flesh long enough for you to GET OUT OF THE WAY so the power of the Spirit can flow through you.
d) Many believers think they need more of God and/or more power. The truth is that God is looking to get access to more of us. Once He does, the power He already gave us can flow through us. This is what fasting is about. Fasting helps us decrease, so the power of God ALREADY IN US can increase and be released through us.
e) You don’t need more of God. If you are Born-Again, you already have Him. What God needs is more of you. Fasting helps you to die to self, so God can be seen IN, WITH and THROUGH you! This is a major benefit to prayer and fasting.
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. I am excited about what You are doing in my life, and in the Body of Christ at-large, in this season. I know You have already given me power, but I must position myself to walk in it. I don’t need more of You. You are looking for more of me. This is why I fast. I fast and pray. I crucify my flesh. I die to self. I yield to You. I position myself to walk in the power You have already given me. And as I do, I come out on the other side of every fast and every test in the Power of Your Spirit. You send angels to minister to me, to help me recover, and build me back up. Living this way, I know I will be used of You in 2018 in a way that is greater than anything I have ever experienced. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
