Text: Isaiah 58:6-8
Memory text:
“Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished.”
Deuteronomy 34:7 NKJV
Fasting has both spiritual and physical benefits. While you are fasting and praying, your body also derives physical benefits.
It has been scientifically established that when you don’t eat for a while, several things happen to your body. One of such is that your body changes hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible and starts important cellular repair processes. Thus, fasting increases energy by burning fat rather than burning food.
This was seen in the experience of Jesus during His 40-day fasting. After the long fast, rather than being weak for the lack of food, He was truly energized, alert, and focused on the task of facing satan’s strongest temptation. Though He was supernaturally strengthened, yet He was actually nourishing Himself with physical energy through fasting.
Regular fasting is associated with lower rates of heart failure, heart disease and improved metabolism; longevity, prevention of diabetes and inflammation, weight loss, and generally healthy life. The body also carries out the detoxification process during fasting. Residues of foods for several months in the stomach lining, which have the potential of triggering cancer and other health problems in the future, are burnt up. Since there is no food in the stomach to act on during fasting, the gastric acid being secreted by the stomach acts on the stored food sediments. Also, toxic items and waste materials are broken down and passed out from the body.
Moses was a man who was known for his fasted life. He fasted for 40 days at about four different times (Deut 9:9, 18, 25; 10:10). Aside from the power and glory of God, which were heavily manifest in him, his fasting life also reflected in his general health. “Although Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eyesight was not dim, nor his natural strength abated.” (Deut 34:7 AMP). Did you see that? His natural strength was still intact. His eyesight was still good, and he was still strong.
Those who have no control over their stomach are slaves of their appetite and are prone to various health challenges (1 Cor 6:12-13).
Friends, take advantage of the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting today.
Prayer points
1. Father, I refuse to allow food or my appetite to enslave me and to endanger my health in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, cleanse my internal system and renew my natural and spiritual strength as I fast, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. When I fast, I enjoy both spiritual and physical benefits.
2. During fasting, my body system is cleansed of all toxic deposits and food residues that can endanger my health.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng