Long Prayer and Fasting: A Path to Spiritual Promotion

Long periods of prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that deepen our intimacy with God and align our hearts with His purposes. However, they also come with heightened spiritual challenges, particularly temptation. The enemy seeks to distract and derail us during these times of consecration, knowing that breakthroughs and promotion in God’s Kingdom often follow. Let’s unpack how to prepare for these challenges and stay steadfast.

1. Be Prepared for Temptation

When Jesus Himself engaged in a prolonged fast, He faced direct temptation from the enemy. This example teaches us that fasting is not only a time of spiritual strength but also a time when the adversary will attempt to exploit our physical and emotional vulnerability.

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him..." (Matthew 4:1-3)

The devil tempted Jesus with three core strategies:

  1. Physical Needs - Appealing to immediate desires (e.g., turning stones to bread).
  2. Pride - Testing God's protection and tempting Jesus to prove His divine authority.
  3. Power - Offering worldly power in exchange for worship.

Recognizing these strategies equips us to stand firm.

2. What You Need to Do: Pray and Press

The response to temptation during fasting is twofold: prayer and perseverance.

Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer is our lifeline during fasting, anchoring us in God’s strength and wisdom. Jesus combated each temptation with Scripture, demonstrating the importance of immersing ourselves in the Word during fasting.

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

Be intentional about your prayer life. Set specific times to commune with God, pour out your heart, and listen for His guidance.

Press Through in Faith

Fasting often brings discomfort, hunger, and spiritual resistance, but pressing through in faith is crucial. It’s not about earning God's favor but about surrendering to His will and building spiritual resilience.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Like the woman with the issue of blood who pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:25-34), you must press through distractions, doubts, and discouragement to reach the breakthrough God has for you.

3. The Formula for Kingdom Promotion

Prayer and fasting, coupled with faith and obedience, are key to unlocking God’s promotion in His Kingdom. It’s not about human effort but about spiritual alignment and submission to His will.

Humble Yourself Before God

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:10)

Promotion in God’s Kingdom comes to those who humble themselves through prayer and fasting, recognizing their dependence on Him.

Seek First the Kingdom

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

When your heart is fully focused on God, He elevates you in His time and for His purposes.

Final Encouragement

As you commit to long prayer and fasting, expect opposition but know that God’s grace is sufficient. Stand firm in His Word, pray without ceasing, and press through with unwavering faith. The reward for your faithfulness is spiritual growth, greater intimacy with God, and Kingdom promotion.

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for the call to prayer and fasting, and for the promise of promotion in Your Kingdom when we humble ourselves and seek You. Strengthen us to resist temptation as Jesus did, holding fast to Your Word and pressing forward in faith. As it is written, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12). We ask for Your guidance, protection, and grace during this time of consecration. In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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