In a world overflowing with distractions and spiritual turmoil, the concept of spiritual warfare often feels daunting and distant for many. While we may not be engaged in epic battles of national importance, the reality remains that we are all fighting personal spiritual battles that require attention and strategy. Central to these struggles is the practice of fasting—a powerful yet often overlooked tool that can elevate our spiritual walk and bring us closer to God.
As believers, we can draw strength from the same weapons that great men of God utilized throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of humbling ourselves before God and engaging in a lifestyle of fasting.
Fasting is not merely a ritual; it is an intentional act of surrendering to God. It is an acknowledgment of our vulnerabilities and a conscious effort to draw nearer to the divine. In my own life, I experienced the liberating power of fasting when I found myself ensnared by the chains of sin, including sexual sins.
Through humbling myself before God in fasting, I found that it was not my sacrifices that moved Him, but rather my willingness to step into His spiritual realm. God’s grace enveloped me, leading me toward freedom.
This personal testimony underscores the transformative power of fasting and its essential role in our spiritual journeys. Over the years I have joined in with other ministries and the communities that I was part of who adopted fasting as a fundamental practice.
For example, each January, for a number of years I joined in with Jentezen Franklin’s Church committing to 21 days of fasting, and other times I would fast the first three days of each month. This commitment stems from my understanding of the spiritual warfare we face and the Lord’s Chosen one’s—the calling to fulfill, calamities to overcome, and spiritual enemies to conquer.
Regular fasting not only strengthens our connection to God but equips us to face adversities with renewed faith and resilience. Recognizing that spiritual conflict is an ever-present reality compels us to adopt fasting as a regular habit.
As articulated in John 10:10, the spiritual adversary seeks to “steal, kill, or destroy” our God-given joy. By fasting and praying, we harness vital weapons to claim victories over these forces. Instead of merely addressing the symptoms of our struggles, we must dig deeper to confront the root causes of our spiritual issues.
This proactive approach allows us to engage with the unseen spiritual world that pervades our lives, thereby making prayer an indispensable part of our spiritual arsenal. It is essential to acknowledge that some within the Church argue that fasting is unnecessary under the New Covenant—an argument that seems to contradict the teachings of Jesus.
In Matthew 9:15, Jesus states, “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is still with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” This statement reinforces the continued relevance and necessity of fasting in our spiritual lives.
As Spiritual Warriors for the Lord, we are called to uphold the orthodoxy of Scripture and embrace the practices that deepen our relationship with God. As we embark on a new year, I encourage you to seek God earnestly through prayer and fasting.
By doing so, you open yourself to the profound possibilities of divine intervention. Fasting is not a mere act of deprivation; it is a pathway to spiritual awakening and renewal. May you experience the power of fasting and witness the transformative answers to your prayers as you navigate the spiritual battles that lie ahead.
My prayer is that you, reader, will embrace this sacred practice, and allow God to lead you into a deeper, more victorious relationship with Him.
~Dr. Russell Welch
Elder / Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.
Be sure to check out Dr. Welch’s newest book “Dare to Sin No More – Breaking free from Sin’s Grasp“”
Radical Disciples - A Remnant Revolution 