THE POWER OF FASTING IN SECRET

THE POWER OF FASTING IN SECRET

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 6:16-18

Key Verse: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret…” (Matthew 6:17-18)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 58:6-11, Joel 2:12, Matthew 17:21, Ezra 8:21-23, Acts 13:2-3

Description: This study reveals the spiritual purpose, power, and rewards of sincere fasting done with the right heart and attitude before God.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus taught about giving, prayer, and fasting. While many religious people fasted publicly to gain attention and praise from others, Jesus instructed believers to fast with sincerity and humility before God.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves voluntarily denying physical desires for a period of time in order to focus more deeply on God through prayer, worship, repentance, and spiritual seeking. True fasting is not merely abstaining from food; it is drawing closer to God with a sincere heart.

Throughout Scripture, fasting accompanied repentance, spiritual renewal, divine direction, deliverance, breakthroughs, and empowerment. When practised correctly, fasting strengthens the spirit, weakens fleshly distractions, and deepens intimacy with God.

1. FASTING IS AN ACT OF HUMILITY BEFORE GOD

True fasting reflects surrender and dependence upon God.

a) Jesus taught believers to fast sincerely (Matthew 6:16-18)
Fasting should be done to seek God rather than to impress people outwardly.

b) Fasting humbles the soul before God (Psalm 35:13)
Denying physical comfort helps believers focus on spiritual priorities and dependence upon God.

c) God desires inward sincerity rather than religious performance (Joel 2:12-13)
The Lord looks at the heart and values genuine repentance and devotion.

d) Humility attracts God’s favour and mercy (James 4:10)
Those who humble themselves before God receive grace, strength, and spiritual help.

Biblical Example:
The people of Nineveh humbled themselves through fasting and repentance, and God showed them mercy (Jonah 3:5-10).

2. FASTING STRENGTHENS SPIRITUAL POWER AND DISCIPLINE

Fasting helps believers grow spiritually stronger.

a) Fasting weakens fleshly distractions (Galatians 5:16-17)
It helps believers gain greater control over desires and strengthens spiritual sensitivity.

b) Some spiritual battles require fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21)
Certain strongholds and spiritual attacks are overcome through deeper spiritual discipline.

c) Fasting increases spiritual alertness (1 Peter 5:8)
Believers become more sensitive to God’s voice and the activities of the enemy.

d) Spiritual discipline produces maturity (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Consistent fasting helps believers develop self-control and dedication to God.

Biblical Example:
Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry and overcame Satan’s temptations victoriously (Matthew 4:1-11).

3. FASTING HELPS BELIEVERS SEEK GOD’S DIRECTION

Many biblical breakthroughs came through fasting and prayer.

a) Fasting creates room for spiritual clarity (Ezra 8:21-23)
God often reveals direction and wisdom to those who seek Him sincerely.

b) Fasting accompanies serious spiritual decisions (Acts 13:2-3)
The early Church fasted before sending out leaders and missionaries.

c) God responds to those who seek Him wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13)
Fasting expresses spiritual hunger and earnest desire for God’s intervention.

d) Fasting aligns believers with God’s will (Romans 12:2)
It helps remove distractions and sharpens spiritual discernment.

Biblical Example:
Esther called for a national fast before approaching the king, and God granted favour and deliverance to His people (Esther 4:15-16).

4. GOD REWARDS SINCERE FASTING

True fasting brings spiritual and practical blessings.

a) God openly rewards sincere devotion (Matthew 6:18)
The Lord sees hidden sacrifices and responds with divine favour and blessing.

b) True fasting brings restoration and breakthrough (Isaiah 58:6-9)
God promises healing, guidance, deliverance, and answered prayer through sincere fasting.

c) Fasting strengthens intimacy with God (Psalm 42:1-2)
Spiritual hunger produces deeper fellowship and communion with the Lord.

d) Fasting releases spiritual renewal and revival (Isaiah 58:11)
God refreshes and empowers those who seek Him wholeheartedly.

Biblical Example:
Anna served God continually with fasting and prayer and received the privilege of witnessing the arrival of the Messiah (Luke 2:36-38).

CONCLUSION

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that draws believers closer to God and strengthens their spiritual lives. Jesus taught that fasting should be done with humility, sincerity, and focus on God rather than for public attention.

Through fasting, believers experience spiritual strength, clarity, discipline, breakthroughs, and deeper intimacy with God. When practised according to God’s will, fasting becomes a channel for spiritual growth, divine direction, and supernatural intervention.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to seek You sincerely through fasting and prayer in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every spirit of pride and hypocrisy from my life in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen my spirit as I wait upon You in Jesus name

4. Father, increase my spiritual sensitivity and discernment in Jesus name

5. Lord, grant me victory over every fleshly weakness in Jesus name

6. Father, reveal Your direction and purpose for my life in Jesus name

7. Lord, let every stronghold resisting my spiritual growth be broken in Jesus name

8. Father, release divine breakthroughs and restoration into my life in Jesus name

9. Lord, draw me into deeper intimacy and fellowship with You in Jesus name

10. Father, let my fasting produce spiritual revival and transformation in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your spiritual life shall grow stronger and deeper!

2. Every fleshly weakness and distraction shall lose its hold over you!

3. God shall grant you greater spiritual sensitivity and discernment!

4. Every spiritual stronghold resisting your progress shall be broken!

5. Divine direction and wisdom shall be revealed clearly to you!

6. Your prayer and fasting shall produce testimonies and breakthroughs!

7. God shall reward your sincere devotion openly!

8. Spiritual revival and fresh fire shall rest upon your life!

9. You shall walk in greater intimacy and fellowship with God!

10. The power and presence of God shall continually strengthen your life!