Luke 4:1-2

Luke 4:1-2 – Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry.

       Here we see Jesus getting ready to begin His public ministry. He just visited John and was baptized. After He was brought out of the water He received an affirmation from His Father. Now He was ready to face whatever the devil could throw at Him.

       We only see a small portion of what was going on here. Jesus was in the desert for forty days. I’m sure he was praying and talking to God, and while that was going on the devil was trying to make Him fall.

       This was Jesus time for preparation for all that God had in store for Him to do. He knew that if He was going to live according to God’s plan He would have to put His flesh under and let His spirit reign inside Him. So He fasted. That is the quickest way to bring down your flesh.

       If you are looking for a breakthrough in your life maybe it is time to fast. Fasting weakens your flesh and allows your spirit to rise up within you. It makes it easier to connect with God. This may be what you need to move to the next level.

After Jesus went through this time in the desert He was ready to begin His public ministry. If you are getting ready to start a new chapter in your life this is a good way to do it. It allows you to get close to God and go into it with a clear head. 

You need to be aware, though, and be ready. When you are getting ready to do something that God has called you to, the devil will try to come at you, but you must stand firm. If he comes at you come back at him like Jesus did, with the Word of God. 

So I encourage you, if you are getting ready to begin a new stage of life that God has called you to, or you are looking to go to the next level with God, try fasting and praying.