Daniel Fast
2012: Day Ten
Mark 9:28 - 29
– After Jesus had gone indoors his disciples asked him privately, “Why
couldn’t we drive [the demon] out?” He replied, “This kind can come out
only by prayer and fasting.”
The disciples found themselves in a difficult situation. A demon had
taken hold of a child causing the child to be mute and lose control
over his body. When the child’s father pleaded with Jesus’
disciples to drive out the demon, they could not. They could not get
the breakthrough they needed. When Jesus showed up and commanded
the demon to leave, it departed immediately and the child was restored.
The disciples questioned Jesus as to why they could not drive out the
demon and Jesus responded that these types of demons only “come out by
prayer and fasting.” Yet, Jesus neither prayed nor fasted in the
situation. Then what did Jesus mean by this? We know based on
scripture that Jesus had built up a “reservoir” in the Spirit realm
through a lifestyle of prayer and fasting before ever encountering this
situation. I believe Jesus was referring to a biblical principle that
as you press into the Father through prayer and fasting today, you will
be able to draw from that reservoir for the breakthrough needed
tomorrow. In other words, tomorrow’s breakthrough is a product of
today’s pressing in.
As we continue in this annual season of fasting and prayer, let us not
be discouraged if we are not yet experiencing the breakthrough in our
cities, families and personal lives. We are building up a “reservoir”
in the Spirit as we chose to obediently seek him through praise,
prayer, and the denial of our fleshly desires (i.e. carnal
nature). We fast and pray so they that we may decrease and He
would increase (John 4:27-30). As He expands on the inside of us,
so too does the presence and authority of Jesus Christ by the Holy
Spirit! How full is your reservoir? We are called to bring the kingdom
to bear on our families, cities and even the nations. We will
encounter demons that only come out by prayer and fasting. We
want to be those who have sought Him in the secret place and draw on
the reservoir to see His Kingdom come. Thus, in this fast let us
continue to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus ” (Philippians 4:14).
May God Pour Out His Holy Spirit Upon You!
Josh & Amy Horack
(Laramie, WY)
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