FAITH AND FASTING

Merry Christmas, fasting and praying friends!

This month’s fasting and prayer article was delayed due to a death in the extended family. As a result, I’ve fasted differently this month. Instead of a full 24 hours, it has been a few half days.

I’m actually grateful for the delay this month. Something has become clearer that I would not have focused on prior.

Admittedly, I’ve wrestled with what to pray for in America right now. All the past prayer lists still apply, of course, but there is SO much more going on, it is overwhelming. Sometimes, it feels like trying to figure out where to start cleaning when your entire house just had a ton of manure dumped all over it.

Today, finally, I believe the Spirit of God led me to a core issue, and it is singular. It is a spirit of fear desperately in need of being taken down in America.

With all going on in recent years/decades, a noticeable anxiety has settled in over many in America. I’ve seen it play out in so many individuals, homes and families, mine included. Young adults afraid to take on the world, crying out constantly for rescue, paralyzed by fear and paranoia. Young Christians afraid they can’t trust Christ alone for salvation. Older adults afraid no one will be there for them, unable to make good decisions to take care of themselves. And on and on.

Friends, FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD. In fact, He told us through Timothy that God has NOT given us a spirit of fear, but instead of LOVE, STRENGTH, and SOUND THINKING (2 Tim 1:17).

To realize no one is alone fighting fear, know that I’ve fought off a spirit of fear many times in past years, that sudden desperate feeling the floor is going to collapse under you into disaster. Let me tell you how I’ve had great success fighting it off.

Whenever a feeling of panic begins to enter my presence, I immediately say to it, “in the name of Jesus, get away from me!” Then, to the Lord, “Father, please deliver me from this predator and replace the dark spirit with Your Spirit, the Lion of Judah, in Jesus’ name!”

Friends, the difference is fast and tangible. I urge all needing to remove fear to try it. Also, if you need to strengthen your walk with the Lord to make your spiritual strength greater, FAST at least 24 hours. I’ve noticed fasting up to 3 days creates an unbreakable surge of spiritual power. Another tool, praying with another strong believer creates a formidable wall against the enemies of our souls. Praise music in our homes also removes unwanted presences. We really do have SO many tools from our Father to fight the battles of this earth. Let’s use them.

So, will you join me today (and when you are fasting) to tackle this unwelcome, demonic visitor from hell, to remove it off of the body of Christ, and also out of America? Let’s pray together:

Father in Heaven, You are mighty and wonderful. You are perfect in all things, wise and patient.

Please forgive us in every place of our lives and homes where we’ve given the enemy footholds, especially in the realm of fear. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we yield fully to You. Send Heavenly allies to Your people and make us strong in Your ways.

Please, Jesus, deliver our nation from the spirit(s) of fear which have ripped through us and wreaked havoc in so many lives and families. Destroy the paranoia plaguing Your people and our nation.

Pour in and through us the fearless, victorious, roaring spirit of the Lion of Judah! Increase Your voice through us into this nation and the world. Make us a fearless beacon of truth, righteousness and freedom.

In the undefeated, matchless name of our Redeemer Jesus, and for His glory. Amen.

Merry Christmas, America. May you receive abundantly the wonderful gift of our Savior, Jesus, with all the additional gifts He brings, and be truly free again.

[I don’t know this writer, but I really like her article (from which I borrowed her photo), so for anyone wanting more biblical encouragement to overcome fear, please read this sister’s post: https://womanofgod.com/bible-verse-2-timothy-1-7/]