Help With a New Assignment
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
Matthew 4:1–2, ESV
In the passage above, Jesus is entering a new season of His life. He had just been baptized by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness for a time of prayer and fasting. Often, when we are on the brink of something new, we forget that we have a powerful tool that can guide us to assured success.
Fasting is not optional; it is an expected part of our walk with God. Yeshua said:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
When we fast with the right heart, it leads to powerful rewards from our Father.
Fasting is the act of turning away from things that constantly demand our attention. Many people give up food, but without submission, prayer, and focus, they risk missing the true purpose of the fast—and the valuable insight that Jesus longs to give. Fasting means setting aside time free from daily distractions to seek God. It is a humble act of drawing closer to Him—a tool for spiritual clarity, repentance, and breakthrough.
Scripture shows that fasting is expected, even when no immediate crisis is present. Consider Anna: the Bible says she never left the temple but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
This gift of fasting is always available to us. Scripture tells us that when Jesus entered His fast, He was full of the Holy Spirit—but when He emerged, He was full of the power of the Holy Spirit. It was His obedience in prayer and fasting that caused Him to step forward in divine power. During those forty days in the wilderness, Christ overcame every temptation—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. When we surrender ourselves to God through fasting, we will also witness His power working in our lives.
Key Takeaways
Fasting is not optional; it is a requirement that brings direction and power.
Every time you step into something new, it is imperative to seek God through fasting.
Fasting releases the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks