31. Restore the streets Isaiah 58 - -If the streets have spiritual potholes and are all broken up then there is no reason anyone would want to live there. Fasting will restore the streets for people to live safely and in a place that allows commerce and trade.
32. To save a friend’s life from imminent danger. Daniel 6:18 - -Daniel was sentenced to die for worship God. The king who made this law also fasting to save Daniel from the law.
33. To repent on behalf of a nation. Daniel 9:3, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:15 and Jonah 3:5 - -These prophets repented on behalf of the sins of their nation and their people
34. Before starting a new ministry. Matthew 4 - -Jesus did not do one recorded miracle before this 40 day fast. The was the pre-cursor to his 3 years of public ministry
35. Fasting in secret will be rewarded openly Matthew 6:18 - -Blessings such as healing, prosperity, etc. Once again, we do not fast for the rewards spoken about in Isaiah 58 but regardless, if we fast correctly then God will take care of us.
36. Fasting will happen while Jesus is gone and until his return. Matthew 9:15 and Luke 5:33 - -Fasting is an expression of love. We wait in expectation for Jesus to return just as a new bride waits for her husband to come home from work or a business trip. I remember when I met my wife and we started dating I lost all hunger. I could hardly eat anything. My pastors would make fun of me. It was a physical sign that I was indeed in love with my girlfriend.
37. Certain types of sickness and demons only come out by fasting Matthew 17:21 and Mark 9:29 - -This is an interesting verse. It is not in some original biblical texts but yet is can be proved out through experience that this is a true statement. Just like Isaiah 58 talks about the purpose of fasting is to set captives free we can see how fasting will cast out demons (and set captives free)
38. Fasting allowed Anna to recognize the Christ when he showed up. Luke 2:37 - -Fasting on a regular basis positions you to hear the voice of God more clearly. Anna was able to recognize the messiah even when others didn’t see anything but a baby.
39. Fasting with prayers and giving allows your prayers to be heard by God. Acts 10:30 - -Cornelius was a non-Jew that feared God. He faithfully prayed, gave alms and fasted. He was the first Gentile believer. It says that his prayers and alms were waiting in heaven and God released the answer to those prayers in the right moment.
40. Fasting with worship allowed the Holy Spirit to speak prophetically. Acts 13:2 - -Fasting and worship should be a regular part of our life. Fasting once a week on before church or corporate prayer would be great starting point. As you regularly fast and worship you will begin to hear the Holy Spirit speak prophetically. It was during this moment in Acts that God separated Saul and Barnabas.
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