“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Fasting is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. It breaks chains, dismantles strongholds, and opens the door for God’s miraculous intervention. Jesus made this clear when His disciples struggled to cast out a demon from a young boy. He explained that “this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
On this eighth day of fasting, let’s explore how fasting equips us to overcome spiritual strongholds, destroy barriers, and walk in the freedom God has promised.
What Are Strongholds?
A stronghold is a place of fortified resistance. Spiritually, strongholds represent areas of our lives where sin, fear, doubt, or oppression have taken root and hinder us from walking in the fullness of God’s plan. These strongholds can appear as addictions, unhealthy thought patterns, generational struggles, or even unshakable feelings of defeat.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 reminds us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” Fasting, paired with prayer, is one of these mighty spiritual weapons.
Fasting as a Weapon
Fasting amplifies the power of prayer, focusing our hearts on God and releasing His power to break through areas where we have felt stuck or bound. When we fast, we humble ourselves before God, inviting Him to intervene in ways we cannot accomplish on our own.
In Matthew 17:21, Jesus highlighted fasting as a necessary weapon for dealing with deeply entrenched spiritual issues. Some battles are not won through ordinary means—they require the extraordinary combination of fasting and prayer to uproot the enemy’s hold.
Fasting declares to the enemy, “I am not fighting in my strength. I am relying on the power of Almighty God to bring victory.”
The Power of Humility and Dependence
Fasting is an act of humility. It acknowledges our dependence on God and recognizes that we cannot fight spiritual battles in our strength. James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Through fasting, we position ourselves to receive God’s grace and power, which are essential for breaking strongholds.
When we fast, we surrender our pride, our plans, and our self-reliance, allowing God to work in and through us. This act of dependence invites His strength into our lives, making us effective in overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.
Breaking Strongholds Through Fasting
Here are a few examples of how fasting can help break spiritual strongholds:
- Addictions and Sin Patterns: Fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the Spirit, making it easier to overcome temptations and habits that have kept us bound.
- Unbelief and Doubt: Fasting increases our faith by aligning our hearts with God’s truth and silencing the lies of the enemy.
- Generational Strongholds: Through fasting, we can intercede for our families and ask God to break generational cycles of dysfunction, sin, or struggle.
- Emotional Bondage: Fasting brings clarity and healing to areas where we’ve been weighed down by fear, anxiety, or bitterness.
- Spiritual Oppression: As we fast and pray, God’s power drives out the forces of darkness that may be oppressing us or those we are interceding for.
Practical Steps to Break Strongholds During Your Fast
- Identify the Stronghold: Ask God to reveal areas where you need breakthrough. Be honest and specific in bringing these issues to Him.
- Pray with Authority: Use Scripture to declare God’s promises over the stronghold. Speak His truth into the situation, knowing that His Word is powerful.
- Stand in Faith: Even if the breakthrough doesn’t come immediately, trust that God is working. Fasting is not about instant results but about aligning with His timing and power.
- Stay Persistent: Some strongholds take time to break. Commit to fasting and prayer until you see the victory.
- Invite Accountability: Share your journey with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor who can pray with you and support you as you seek freedom.
Reflection Questions
- Are there areas in your life where you feel stuck or bound?
- What spiritual strongholds need to be broken during this fast?
- How can you use fasting and prayer to align with God’s power and promises in these areas?
Fasting is a spiritual weapon that equips us to break strongholds and walk in freedom. As you continue this journey, trust that God is working powerfully in your life. Let this day be a declaration of faith, a step toward freedom, and a reminder that in Christ, you have the victory.
Ron Eivaz Blog 