Fasting for Breakthrough: Getting Unstuck

by Marilynn Chadwick

Do you feel stuck today? Maybe you need a breakthrough in prayer. Or relief from a stubborn problem. A breakthrough usually occurs after a long struggle against some kind of obstacle or enemy. A spiritual breakthrough can be described as that sudden leap forward in an area where we've been fervently seeking God. In short, a breakthrough is getting "unstuck."

One way I've experienced personal breakthroughs in prayer is through fasting. I’m not sure why fasting adds power to my prayers. It just does. Jesus spoke of fasting as a normal part of one's prayer life. "When you fast," he said. Not "if you fast" (Matthew 6:16-18).

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a few too many spiritual battles lately. Seems like everyone I know these days is walking through intense trials. Some are fighting hard through painful circumstances, family conflict, financial struggles, or even long-standing illnesses. Many feel “stuck.”

I’ve decided it’s time to get a fresh grip on my faith, look to God for strength, and refresh my commitment to fasting. It’s a powerful way to stand in the gap for those I love. And when combined with prayer and God’s Word, fasting is a great way to get unstuck.

Let’s face it. As long as we live on planet Earth, we’re in enemy territory. That means we must always be watchful. Vigilant. Yes, Christ’s work on the Cross set us free from sin and death. But we must guard that freedom daily. I’m reminded of the old Revolutionary War saying, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

God’s Creation is good, but since the Fall, our world is crawling with enemies. There’s no denying it. And we live in an earthly body with demanding appetites and desires. Even if we manage to avoid the more obvious traps and addictions, our flesh still wants its own way. My friend’s three-year-old daughter once said it best, “But Mommy, all I want is what I want when I want it.”

Our flesh seldom craves the things God asks of us. In fact, it usually craves the opposite. Bottom line? If I don’t control my body, it will control me. I’d rather sleep late than begin my day with a study of God’s Word and prayer. Yet I know from experience that my days just plain go better when I launch them with this “power hour.” In much the same way, I’d rather eat than fast, which also requires that I subdue my flesh. Maybe that’s what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of “disciplining my body, making it serve me” (1 Cor. 9:27 ISV).

That’s where fasting comes in. From a purely physical standpoint, fasting cleanses the body and gives it rest. Spiritually, fasting goes beyond what we can see and somehow sharpens our “spiritual ears” and adds power to our prayers. Jesus himself fasted. Over the next few days, we’ll explore what the Bible has to say about fasting and how it can help us experience breakthroughs in prayer.

Men of Valor: David’s Mighty Men

by David Chadwick

David’s mighty men. They were a group of 30 or so men found 2 Samuel 23 (some scholars think there could have been as many as 37).

We have already learned about his inner circle, Eleazer, Shammah and Jashobeam. But there were more mighty men who served David, somewhere around 30 or so.

These mighty men fiercely loved and cared for their king. These were King David’s most fierce and loyal soldiers. They were true “men of valor.”

The most respected of all of David’s soldiers, these 30 or so men were most likely chosen by David for their bravery, courage, skill, and loyalty to him.

Amidst the larger army of King David, which undoubtedly numbered in the thousands, these 30 or so were like Seal Team 6. Special forces. Green Berets. The best of the best. The strongest and bravest of them all.

I love how David’s ministry was a glimpse of what Jesus’s ministry would look like. Jesus fulfilled his mission as the greatest King. Much like David, he had his inner circle of 3, his 12 disciples, and 70 whom he sent out, and the masses. Different layers of his relationships had different purposes.

In war, sometimes a large army is needed to succeed. However, there are other times when a smaller, powerful group of warriors can do more damage. A team of smaller numbers is sometimes needed to infiltrate a place and destroy an enemy with quick precision. That was the case with David’s mighty men.

David had 3. And 30 or so. And thousands. All were necessary for David to be strong and victorious.

Take note of David’s keen organizational mind. He strategically knew how to assimilate his army at several levels for whatever means necessary. He knew what it took to win the different kinds of battles he had to face.

You’ve heard me say it before and I will say it again. The world needs more mighty men of valor!

Men, it’s time to rise up and take your place in history to support the greatest King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is Jesus! Our Commander and Chief, the Lord of all the angel armies as well.

Men of Valor: Benaiah

by David Chadwick

Benaiah is our next man of valor. Found in 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 27:5, he was the son of Jehoiada, a leader in David’s army, and one of David’s most trusted advisors.

Much like many of our previously studied characters, he, too, is specifically called a “man of valor.”

Every great leader needs trusted advisors around him or her. People who can see things that the leader can’t see. Those who know things the leader doesn’t know. People who have different strengths and insights into what is going on and can give sage counsel to the leader to help him or her make wise decisions.

Benaiah was known for his bravery, strength, and loyalty. With only a club in his hand, he defeated an Egyptian giant with a spear who was on a mission to destroy Israel. Some think Benaiah was the most feared warrior in David’s army.

He was able to dismantle the giant’s attack, take the spear away from the giant, and kill him with it. Go read his story and take note of his courage and skill! Against seemingly insurmountable odds, he reigned victorious!  We all can accomplish anything with God’s supernatural strength.

Leaders like King David need greatly gifted people around them who don’t want to usurp him and be king! They need people who will join them in the fight and be loyal no matter what.

Interestingly, Benaiah was very helpful in passing on David’s reign to King Solomon. He remained loyal to David and Solomon. From all accounts provided, it seems that he simply loved the nation of Israel and wanted to see it prosper. He knew the best way that could happen was by serving and supporting a healthy and wise king.

He executed several of Solomon’s enemies upon Solomon’s orders, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. He also served as the head of Solomon’s army. Fierce loyalty would describe him.

As you’ve heard me say before, all leaders need a friend like this!

And the world needs more men of valor like him as well.