Wednesday September 06th, 2023
« Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline (self-control), in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever »
24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Fasting may seem difficult for many people, but there are benefits therein, if only you can control your belly.
Firstly, fasting is a means of keeping your flesh under control.
An individual who fast often, accompanying it with Bible study and prayer, will find it easier to live holy.
If you check yourself and see that you are beginning to entertain lust once in a while, that means sin is beginning to look enticing to you; declare a fast for yourself.
As you fast, your spirit will gain better control of your flesh and then the lust will die.
The reason many people have fallen from grace is that they do not fast often.
I have heard some say that Jesus has finished all, fasting inclusive, on the cross.
How about Paul the Apostle who wrote in (2 Corinthians 11:27) that he fasted often?
He was the same one who said in (1 Corinthians 9:27) that he put his body under subjection.
You want your body to remain under the control of the Holy Spirit?
Then you must fast often.
Galatians 5:16 NLT says the only way to not fulfil the lusts of the flesh is to walk in the Spirit and that can only happen through fasting. It says
« let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves »
When you fast, your appetite is under control and the ability to control your appetite is a major factor in determining how much dominion you can have in this world.
In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau could not control his appetite and as a result, he lost his birthright.
While Esau was very desperate and willing to exchange his birthright for some food, Jacob recognized that it was a day for him to fast. He gave up his pottage to Esau and even added bread to it.
When you have no control over your belly, you are sacrificing your dominion on the altar of food.
Many people are not fulfilling their destinies because they don’t fast.
Commit to subduing the flesh today through regular fasting and you will live victoriously in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer point: Father, please give me the grace to fast often, in Jesus’ name.
Author: Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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