Fasting That Breaks Barriers

FASTING THAT BREAKS BARRIERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 58:6-12

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:12-28, Esther 4:16, Daniel 10:2-12, Luke 4:1–14

INTRODUCTION:

Fasting is one of the most powerful yet often neglected spiritual disciplines in the life of a believer. It is not merely abstaining from food, but a deliberate separation unto God for spiritual purposes. When done with the right heart, fasting becomes a divine instrument that breaks invisible chains and removes spiritual hindrances.

In Isaiah 58, God outlines the kind of fast that He honours—not one of empty ritual or outward show, but one that leads to transformation, justice, healing, and restoration. It is this kind of fasting that breaks barriers—spiritual, emotional, generational, and physical.

Throughout Scripture, men and women who faced impossible odds turned to God through fasting and experienced divine intervention. Fasting is not manipulation—it is alignment. It is humbling oneself under God to seek His face, break limitations, and walk in breakthrough.

1. FASTING BREAKS THE BARRIERS OF BONDAGE

Fasting breaks spiritual chains and yokes that keep people in captivity.

a) Fasting looses the bands of wickedness (Isaiah 58:6):

When we fast according to God’s purpose, invisible chains fall off. Fasting destroys demonic holds and bondage.

b) It removes the heavy burdens (Isaiah 58:6):

Many people carry burdens of fear, depression, and guilt. Through fasting, those burdens are lifted supernaturally.

c) Fasting sets the oppressed free (Isaiah 58:6):

Whether the oppression is physical or spiritual, fasting releases the power of deliverance and liberty.

d) It breaks every yoke (Isaiah 58:6):

A yoke is a controlling or limiting force. Fasting destroys every yoke hindering spiritual progress.

Biblical Example: In Joel 2, the people were under the judgment of locusts and famine. As they fasted and cried out, God restored their land and removed shame.

2. FASTING PREPARES THE WAY FOR DIVINE INTERVENTION

When facing opposition, fasting opens the door for God's intervention.

a) Fasting invites God into our crisis (Esther 4:16):

Esther’s fast brought divine favour before the king and turned national destruction into deliverance.

b) It shifts the atmosphere spiritually (Daniel 10:12–13):

Daniel’s fast released angelic help, even when the answer was delayed by demonic opposition.

c) Fasting calls God’s attention to urgent needs (Joel 2:17–19):

God listens when His people fast in brokenness and repentance—He responds with mercy.

d) It brings favour before authorities (Esther 5:2):

Fasting aligns you for divine favour, even before kings and decision-makers.

Biblical Example: Esther’s three-day fast led to the deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s evil plot. Fasting shifted the decree of death to a celebration of victory.

3. FASTING BRINGS PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION AND POWER

Fasting changes you before it changes your situation.

a) Fasting leads to spiritual sensitivity (Daniel 10:2–3):

Daniel began to understand deep mysteries because fasting sharpened his spirit.

b) It empowers for ministry (Luke 4:1–14):

Jesus fasted for 40 days and returned in the power of the Spirit. Fasting is the path to spiritual empowerment.

c) Fasting reveals hidden things (Daniel 10:11–12):

God releases insights and revelation when we seek Him in fasting.

d) It builds discipline and alignment with God (1 Corinthians 9:27):

Fasting brings the flesh under control and aligns our hearts with the will of God.

Biblical Example: Jesus came out of His fast with clarity, power, and authority to begin His public ministry. Fasting launched Him into the miraculous.

4. FASTING RELEASES DIVINE RESTORATION AND REVIVAL

There is always a release after genuine fasting—a release of glory, healing, and favour.

a) Fasting brings healing and restoration (Isaiah 58:8):

When we fast rightly, healing springs forth speedily—emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.

b) It causes God's glory to manifest (Isaiah 58:8):

The presence and glory of God begin to rest upon a life dedicated to fasting and prayer.

c) Fasting results in divine guidance (Isaiah 58:11):

God begins to lead and guide clearly those who wait upon Him in fasting.

d) Fasting births revival and refreshing (Isaiah 58:12):

It leads to the rebuilding of lives, families, and spiritual altars that were broken.

Biblical Example: After the fast in Joel 2, God promised restoration of the years lost, outpouring of His Spirit, and abundance in every area.

CONCLUSION:

Fasting is not a religious exercise; it is a spiritual weapon. It breaks barriers of delay, bondage, and defeat. It brings divine intervention, power, and restoration. When fasting is done in sincerity and humility, heaven responds.

Every believer who desires a shift must embrace the altar of fasting. The flesh may resist, but the Spirit is willing. The rewards are always greater than the sacrifice. As you fast, believe that every stubborn barrier in your life must break by the hand of God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me the grace to fast with the right heart and purpose.

2. Every yoke and chain in my life, break by fire through this fast.