"Prayer and fasting are heaven’s dynamic duo against temptation!"

In exploring fasting and prayer, Danny Vierra shares some amazing feats of mind, body, and spirit that are a result of abstaining from indulgences. Not only does today’s society suffer from chronic and fatal disease as a result of gluttony and taking in the wrong kinds of foods, but we also suffer from groggy thinking and foggy spiritual lives.

In looking at the subjects of prayer and fasting in Scripture, we see the benefits of this “dynamic duo.” Moses communed with God on Mt. Sinai 40 days and nights, and he had to veil his face because it was so bright (Exodus 34:28). He also was resurrected and taken to heaven after his death (Jude 9). Elijah also fasted 40 days and nights (1 Kings 19:7, 8), and he was taken to heaven without seeing death (2 Kings 2:1).

The only other person in Scripture to fast 40 days and nights was Jesus Christ Himself. Even though He was physically weakened by the ordeal, His mental and spiritual acuity was so sharp that He firmly withstood the barbs of the devil (Matthew 4:1–11).

In today’s era we too can have enriching experiences from fasting and prayer. Biblical evidence is ample that refraining from excessiveness in our lives will be enhancing beyond measure. Should you choose to include these principles in your own life, you will gain strength to stand firm against temptation.