Fasting Is Not a Tool to Manipulate God
Some mistakenly believe that by abstaining from food, they can force God’s hand. However, fasting is not about making God do what we want—it is about surrendering to His divine purpose and allowing Him to transform us.
Fasting Does Not Change God—It Changes Us
God is sovereign and unchanging. He does not respond to manipulation, but He does respond to humble, seeking hearts.
Malachi 3:6 – "For I am the Lord, I change not…"
Fasting is a way of humbling ourselves, making us more sensitive to God’s voice and direction. It is not about changing God’s mind—it is about changing our hearts.
Psalm 35:13 – "I humbled my soul with fasting…"
God Answers According to His Will, Not Our Fasting
Fasting does not obligate God to grant our requests. He answers prayers according to His will, not according to how long or intensely we fast.
1 John 5:14 – "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us."
Instead of using fasting to try to twist God’s arm, we should use it as an opportunity to seek His guidance and align our desires with His plans.
Spiritual Blessings and Benefits of Fasting
- Greater Spiritual Focus
- Fasting removes distractions and helps you focus on God’s voice.
- It increases your awareness of His presence and prepares you to receive from Him.
- Strengthened Spiritual Authority and Discernment
- Fasting sharpens your ability to hear from God and receive divine direction.
- It enables you to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1-2, 14 – "Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness… And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee."
Fasting played a key role in Jesus’ ministry, strengthening Him for His mission.
- Preparation for Spiritual Growth and Breakthrough
- Fasting positions you for achievements and significant exploits in life.
- It prepares you to receive God’s love, wisdom, and anointing for the journey ahead.
As we continue this Lenten season, let us examine our hearts and ensure that our fasting is not an attempt to manipulate God but a sincere act of surrender and devotion. May this be a time of humility, prayer, and transformation, where we seek not our own will but God’s perfect plan.
Are you ready to fast with the right purpose—to grow closer to God rather than trying to control Him?
Author: Pastor Augustine Erskine is a strong Minister of God and a member of Evangel Assemblies of God – The Gambia, Kanifing South, behind Jah Oil
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