There are so many reasons to fast. We fast to draw nearer to God. We fast to die to our flesh. Fasting will keep us from becoming arrogant. Fasting reminds us that everything God is doing in us and through us is not because of our own gifts, talents, and abilities.

There is so much more to fasting than we realize.

Isaiah 58:6 says, “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?" God spoke to me recently and said, "If you could only see what could be unlocked in a 40-day fast..." I've heard so many stories about people who have gone on a 40-day fast just for spiritual reasons but then right at the end of their fast, ministries and major breakthroughs were suddenly unlocked. Before Lou Engle started his ministry, he went on a 40-day fast. It wasn't until day 37 that God spoke to Lou about launching "The Call". The Call has changed millions of lives and started a movement or prayer, fasting and consecration that has touched the nations.

Your fasting isn't just about you. Fasting positions you to release God's Kingdom into the earth. Many lives are waiting to be impacted by what you could unlock with fasting. What movement, what ministry, what world-changing vision is waiting to be unlocked by your "yes" to fasting? Will you say yes?

Some time ago, my wife, Autumn, and I encountered a very difficult season. I fasted more than 100 days that year. I have about 15 notebooks filled with things I heard from God during that time of fasting. Many of those notebooks are filled with vision God gave me for my future. I have vision for things I probably won't step into until 10 or 15 years from now; just from what God revealed to me during that extended time of fasting. Fasting unlocks and extends your vision.

Autumn and I recently finished a 40-day Daniel Fast. Daniel fasts cut out all meats and sweets. During the fast, my physical body adjusted to not having any sugar. After the fast, I ordered a sweet tea at a restaurant and had to send it back. I no longer liked the taste of the sugar! Fasting will shift your cravings, both natural and spiritual. Fasting breaks your appetite for things that are unhealthy. Fasting unlocks your hunger for God.

One of the things I love most about fasting is how clearly I can hear God's voice. While I fast, I always make sure I am stepping up my time with the Lord. Fasting without prayer is pointless. You must make sure you are pulling away to be with God during your fast. Without prayer, fasting is only a diet.

There are 35 recorded fasts in scripture. Scripture is filled with champions for God that used the key of fasting. Moses fasted and unlocked God's Law and promises. Joseph fasted and unlocked his destiny. Jehoshaphat fasted and unlocked victory. Esther fasted and unlocked mercy for God's people. Hannah fasted and unlocked her womb. Daniel fasted and unlocked answered prayer and God's protection. Nehemiah fasted and unlocked the restoration of his nation. Jesus fasted and unlocked His ministry that would change the entire world, forever.

Use the key of fasting! You are God's chosen vessel. God wants to unlock things bigger than you could ever imagine. Your destiny and purpose can be unlocked, but fasting is the key. When you fast, God hands you the keys to unlock what you have been praying for. True fasting will always result in breakthrough. Fasting is the key that unlocks the impossible.

Joe Joe Dawson

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