”Howbeit, this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” – Matt.17:21.
Following the transfiguration experience, as Jesus returned to base with Peter, John and James, they were confronted with a crowed of disappointed folks. A man came kneeling down before Jesus, narrated to him the pitiable condition of his son and that none of the nine disciples was able to help.
”And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured that very hour.” – Matt.17:18. When the crowd dispersed, the disciples came to him apart asking why they were not able to cast out the devil.
They obviously must have prayed using same terminology, gesticulation and methodology, having watched him severally, but failed.
Answer:
1. Because of unbelief – verse 20. The devil knows when you are acting in fear and when in faith. Faith and unbelief at same time according to Apostle James equals double mindedness and ”let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord’’ – James 1:7,8.
2. Because of gluttony and failure in fasting and prayer. At a time, the disciples of John were worried that while they and the Pharisees were committed to fasting, Jesus disciples were committed to eating and wining. ”Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not” – Mtt.9:14. We can therefore conclude that fasting and prayer help to generate faith which releases such power that humbles the devil and his hordes, by dismantling every problem.
What is fasting? Fasting is an intentional act of the will to abstain from food and pleasure to seek God’s face in prayer. When done with total commitment tremendous power is generated, faith that moves mountain is gained.
Jesus answered John’s disciples that when he the Bridegroom is taken away the bride will fast. He was taken up by ascension. The disciples fasted often after that and experienced what is recorded as The Acts of the Apostles.
Conclusion: In this occult world we must dedicate ourselves to Fasting and prayer to overcome.
Prayer: Dear heavenly father, grant me grace to dedicate my life often to seek your face in fasting and prayer in Jesus name.
Rev. Emmanuel Igwe