By Prayer and Fasting Plus Faith
Weapons of Warfare that Prevail
Scripture
Matthew 17: 26-29 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge ofGod, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Thought for Today
The 17th chapter of Matthew and Luke 9:40-42 relate the same events of this occasion. Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John had just returned from the mountain of the Transfiguration. The scribes interrogated the remaining disciples as a great multitude gathered. Jesus asked them the reason for the questioning. A man from the crowd presented his demon-possessed son to Jesus. The evil entity continually tortured the boy, often throwing him violently into fire and water. It afflicted him with seizures and rendered him a deaf-mute. Adding to the dire situation, the man revealed that the disciples could not cast out the demon.
- Know your enemy
The Lord listened to the boy’s father relate details about this tormentor (Matthew 17:14). He learned
that the spirit was:
- A sadistic bully that took pleasure in hurting a weak child (v21).
- A coward that chose to hurt the pitiful boy (not powerful Jesus) when it first saw the Master (v20).
- Cruel and tenacious, making one final malicious attack after it was cast out (v26).
- Study your enemy carefully to prepare for victory. The Scriptures tell all you need to know to defeat hisattacks (1 Peter 5:8).
- Faith First
The book of Mark includes some additional detail about this encounter. For example, Jesus did not healthe boy until He dealt with the father’s faith. The man tells Jesus, “But if (emphasis added) you can do anything, please have compassion” (Mark 9:22b). Perceiving the man’s doubt, Jesus tells him that all things are possible to those that believe. The man asked for an increase in his level of faith (v22). In Matthew 17:20-21 Jesus revealed that the disciples’ lack of faith prevented them from subduing the evil spirit. They had some measure of faith. But the Lord knew that only faith that could move mountains could take dominion over a spirit of “this kind”.
- Power Prayers
Jesus was aware that the disciples prayed as He taught them to pray. Apparently, their prayers were ineffective for the task they faced. There are several types of prayers, such as petition, supplication, praise, and intercession. On this occasion, Jesus spoke about prayer in the form of spiritual warfare. This type of prayer is mighty through God. It is so forceful that it rips down strongholds. Warfare prayers take misaligned thoughts into captivity in the name of Jesus. They are unrelenting (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and fervent (James 5:16). Combine these prayers with faith to increase your confidence in God (1 John 5:14).
Prayer, Fasting, and Faith Combined
Are you reading this during a time you've set aside for prayer and fasting? Our prayer for you is that the words of Jesus encourage and strengthen your faith during this season of consecration. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Believe in the power of prayer, faith, and fasting for the win!
It’s Time to Pray!
Thank you Heavenly Father for Your inspired Word that equips us to conquer the attacks of the prince of the power of the air. We are grateful for times like these to focus on You and listen for Your Will in our lives. Bless the brothers and sisters worldwide who are also seeking Your face each day. In the name of Jesus…Amen.
The powerful spiritual combination of prayer, faith and fasting can work miracles in our lives!