Real Nourishment

This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting). (Mark 9:29)

Matthew and Mark both record this occurance of Jesus, just after His transfiguration, removing the evil spirit from a young boy. The disciples were dismayed: "Why could we not remove the evil spirit?", they asked. Jesus let them know that it takes prayer and fasting at times. The varying transcripts sometimes leave out the fasting part and versions of Matthew 17 leave out verse 21 altogether. Whatever translation one may read, we realize that without a deep and intimate relationship with God the Father, we cannot do anything!

Sincere prayer and concentrated fasting causes one to reluy upon the Lord for the very resources of life, namely daily nourishment. When tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3: "man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD." Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and now was prepared for the battle in the wilderness.

The closer we are to the Lord the more ready we are for the battles life throws upon us. As we anticipate the enemy at times, we need to prepare more intensely. In the middle of a struggle, we may need to engage the enemy with a deeper and more concentrated battle plan, including fasting. These things, this kind of battle we know we cannot face with our normal, everyday strategy. We must go the extra mile and make the extra sacrifice in order to be in intimate communication with the Lord and under the power of His Holy Spirit!

Real nourishment comes directly from God. It is what believers live and breathe for daily. We should crave it!