The power of fasting is not in simply not eating. If it were, Israel would not have needed to fast for 70 years. Fasting has power when we pursue God coupled with . Israel’s problem is that they were not obedient – notice vs. 9-13 What is a good way for us to understand fasting that changes us, our circumstances, our church, our country? Genesis 32:22-32 Jacob wrestled with God and would not quit until God blessed him. God gave him a new name – Israel – which means . In contending with God, God touched his hip and he forever walked with a limp. The point is, if you are going to fast, to contend with God, expect to come out with a limp – different – forever . Fasting reveals the power of the and if we are to contend with God we must overcome the flesh. Remember the words of Jesus: If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow. Jesus is talking about death to self and fasting is one that God has given us. Last week we saw two purposes for fasting: Unto the Lord Holiness Today, I want to share three more purposes to fasting. 1. To be heard by God. Is. 58:4, Zech. 7:13 Biblical fasting allows us to experience the reality of Hebrews 4:16 “When a person is willing to set aside the legitimate appetites of the body to concentrate on the work of praying, they are demonstrating that they mean business, that they are seeking God with all their heart, and will not let God go unless He answers.” A. Wallis 2. Deliverance, both and . Esther 3:16, Isaiah 58:6 Pastor Hsi – Wife desperately sick – prayed and fasted 3 days – demon immediately cast out. “Whatever the crisis that arose…Hsi had only one remedy. He gave himself to prayer and fasting. What mighty deliverances God wrought for him and through him.” A Wallis 3. Revelation – Daniel 9:2-3, 20-22 Daniel wanted and of God’s Word. Psalm 36:9, 119:105, Hebrews. 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 As we learn to hear and understand and His – with a commitment to and , we are then in a position for . Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me? Holy Spirit, what do you want me to do? Notes: