Imrah Ministries

By Sidharth Mohandas

Are you facing problems and sins in your life that makes you say…“Why does it seem as though the Lord is not for me? Why doesn’t God help at the time of trial or temptation? Doesn’t the victory belong to the Lord?”. Probably you have been bound with some addiction or it may be some problem that keeps repeating itself in cycle. You’ve tried and tried but you have failed. If this is you, read on…

The Israelites faced something similar. In the book of Judges Chapter 20 we read of an inner conflict between two tribes. An awful crime was committed by a group of men from the tribe of Benjamin [they raped a Levites' concubine and she died]. The other Israelites heard of this and went up asking the Benjamites to surrender these men who did this wicked thing. However, the Benjamites came together to fight against the Israelites. Now we find the Israelites inquiring of God twice, “Who of us shall go against the Benjamites?” And God asked Judah to go up and battle against them. Scripture tells us that the Israelites were defeated hopelessly the first time. So they approached the Lord again and then went for the battle again, sadly history repeats itself. Wasn’t it God’s will for them to win the battle? Have you faced something like this and wondered… “Isn’t the Word of God supposed to work for me?”. The Israelites go for battle the third time… and you know what? They won… But what was different from the last battle and the first two? Scripture tells us that “They fasted that day until evening…” [Judges 20: 26b]. They went beyond the physical battle into the spiritual realm and broke the stronghold through fasting.

According to Jewish tradition, every Jew was to fast on the Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur]. Referring to this the writer of Leviticus tells us, This is a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourself [fast] and not do any work… because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. [Leviticus 16:29-30]. Therefore through fasting we are “denying self” or “afflicting our souls”. Denying self or afflicting our souls is so hard most of the time- i.e. saying no to our thoughts, not being led by our feelings or emotions and giving up our will for His. Fasting thus renders power to us to master the tyranny of self.

I encourage you to fast today. If you need any help, feel free to ask me and I will respond to you as soon as I can.

By Bala Samson 

Introduction

“So that it will not be obvious to men 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.” (Mathew 6: 18)  

Let these words of Jesus echo in your heart today. What an awesome promise for those who fast, but sadly Christians have failed to realize and use this powerful key to miracles. Some of you have loved ones who’ve heard the gospel countless times, but they’re still away from God. The fact is, you can put the truth right under their nose, but they can’t see it because of the darkness. They need a personal touch from God for the true light to penetrate the deadly darkness. Don’t try to win the battle by debating, arguing, crying, or screaming – win it through prayer! Plead, weep and cry out to God until He shines His light into their life and they can see. Remember, they have been in darkness for too long, it needs the power of God to tear this darkness and reveal Jesus to them. Friend, fasting with prayer moves the heart of God. 

 Fasting Can Change Your Crusty-hearted Relatives 

I was so encouraged by this miracle that I started praying on Thursdays for my very close relatives, one person in particular was very arrogant, proud, and abusive, and into every worldly habit you could think of; it was just next to impossible to preach to him. When we invited him for prayers, he would just sit and nonchalantly watch me preaching and not care a bit. But I started crying, fasting and praying just for him. What a miracle! In a matter of few months, God touched his heart and his attitude changed towards me and now he is the one who is helping us in our ministry. Praise God! Friend, the most beautiful moment in my life is when my husband stands on the pulpit and testifies saying that he came to the Lord watching me fast, pray and sing. Hey, sing? Yes, singing with anointing can touch souls. Friend, more than anything, you need to be a living testimony. Fast and pray for God to change your family, finances, circumstances… and most important, YOU FIRST. Mark my words: God does not change circumstances without accomplishing His purpose of changing YOU. 

1. If you are a beginner, you can start with just giving up on one meal.

2. List out very clearly as to why you are fasting, do not do it haphazardly, tell the Lord the cause for your fasting.

3. Particularly confess your sins and keep yourself open for the Holy Spirit to correct you.

4. If you have grudges in your heart, your fasting goes null and void, please reconcile with people before you reconcile with God.

5. Never postpone the date you have set for fasting, satan tries his best to do this, stand firm.

6. Do not let slight illness postpone the fasting, remember Jesus fasted for 40 days and Moses fasted for 40 days twice without food and water.

7. Remember to drink lot of water while fasting.

8. Most important, as much as possible avoid advertising your fasting, keep yourself fresh and active.  

Remember, if you are a Christian, you should start right away to learn to fast. The reason many Christians do not have power to resist Satan and the reason they fall too often, is because they do not know to fast. Come on now, learn to say NO to food and start fasting right away! Never just stay in the beginners stage, move towards doing greater things for God.