Yesterday, I tuned into a few minutes of the Dr. Oz Show. During this particular segment, Dr. Oz held a mini-competition between two sisters to see who could identify the two foods when eaten together would produce maximum results—like boosting your mood or slimming the waistline. I believe he referred to them as Food Dynamic Duos. Well, today, I want to talk to you about a Dynamic Duo we Christians have that can produce maximum results for us, too: Prayer and Fasting.
There’s just something about a duo that signals an added strength and power, a maximum effect. Even when you hear one name mentioned, it just seems natural that the other should follow. I mean, where would the Lone Ranger be without Tonto? Where would Batman be without Robin?? Where would Thelma be without Louise??? The Bible tells us that one can put a thousand to flight, and two can put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30). Whoa!! That’s a huge increase in power, and that’s what we have when we put prayer and fasting together.
In the 17th Chapter of Matthew, Jesus scolded the disciples because they could not drive a demon out of a boy. He explained to them that the problem was their faith. This is where we hear about the mustard seed faith that enables us to move mountains. But Jesus didn’t stop there. Explaining that “nothing will be impossible,” He says in verse 21 that “this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Did you get that? Another level, another dimension of faith and power is tied up in our prayer and fasting!!
Have you ever listened to a radio station that had a lot of static? More than likely, you changed the channel because the listening experience wasn’t as pleasurable. Well, when we add fasting to our prayer lives, we open up the lines of communication between us and God. We remove all of the static that is interfering with our reception.
For instance, in Acts 13:2-3, while the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch were praying and fasting, the Holy Spirit gave instructions on which two should be sent out to minister the word of the God. Barnabas and Saul/Paul were designated, not on a whim but through fasting and prayer, through a clear word from the Holy Spirit. How many of you could use a clear word from the Holy Spirit? I know I could! As I’m sure most of you have heard, “One word from God can change your life!” And it certainly does help if that word is clear– beyond a shadow of doubt!
Whether it’s a certain food, television show, drink, habit, or even relationship, today, I encourage you to consider giving it up—laying it on the altar before God– and praying. That one thing could be what’s hindering the clarity in your life, and that clear word could be what moves the mountains in your life (like the weight you’re trying to lose). That one word could be what casts the demons out of your life—for good! So let go, let God, and experience maximum results with your Dynamic Duo! Fast and Pray!!
Get Movin’,
Veronica Yon
p.s. For those of you in the area, we will be holding our Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. This service will be a time of prayer, fasting, praise, worship, and repentance. Come out and be blessed as we begin our celebration of the Lenten Season.