Unforgiveness, doubt, unrepented sin, family discord and fear can all hinder our prayers. When we fast, we are asking God to cleanse us of these hindrances so our fellowship with Him can be unobstructed. We must be able to hear the voice of our Father and hear Him clearly.
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, received word from the Lord that an attack was coming against Jerusalem. In fact three separate nations were going to attack them at the same time. His response was to proclaim a fast throughout the nation of Judah. Verse 4 tells us that the entire nation came from every city to seek the Lord. The importance here is that they needed direction, strategy; they needed to conquer fear. Together, they asked God for help.
As a result, they received the Word they needed. God instructed them in verse 15, “…Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” God gave them a clear strategy, which gave them a miraculous victory.
Your fast will help you hear clearly from the Father to receive the strategies you need to overcome the challenges in your life. The key is to pair your fast with prayer as you seek the Lord for his guidance.
Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30; Isaiah 55:6-7; 1 John 5:14