Don’t Give Up! (3) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
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Topic: Don’t Give Up! (3)
Dear Reader,
Welcome to this week’s teaching. In the previous editions, we examined how to use prayers and a life that speaks to help get your unbelieving spouse saved. I see God turning your challenges into cheap miracles, as you put to practice those things that you have learnt, in Jesus’ name.
This week, we shall be examining the use of FASTING in getting your spouse saved. “Fasting” means doing away with food for the purpose of concentration. It is a way of seeking the face of God, earnestly bringing the flesh under your control in order to be more sensitive to God. God knew that there would be challenging situations that will prove a little difficult for us; that was why He recommended fasting. Mark 9:29 confirms that: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Set some time apart to fast for the salvation of your loved ones. This must be coupled with prayer and the Word of God. When fasting is void of prayer and the Word of God, then it is hunger strike or mere dieting! Your fasting must also be done in wisdom. It is not how long you fast that matters, but how well and effective your fast is.
I once met an elderly woman who became born again after she was married. Apparently, her husband was deep into the occult. This woman took up the challenge and started praying for her husband, breaking the power of the devil over his life. At a point in time, she started sacrificing her breakfast for her husband’s salvation. According to her, she would prepare her breakfast and give it to the needy. She did this for two years!
Meanwhile, she was in a different city from where her husband was. Unknown to her, God had sent someone to cross path with the man and he gave his life to Christ. When this woman met her husband he was born again! We serve a God of miracles! Can you imagine her joy that day? But she had to pray, practise patience and fast about it. Yours will be the next testimony in Jesus’ name!
Fasting has several advantages in helping to get your spouse saved. Fasting is an added plus to prayers. When fasting is done effectively along with prayers using the Word of God, the result is always an immediate success. Some impossible situations recorded in Esther 4:3, Matthew 17:29 and Acts 14:23 in the Bible, experienced a turn-around through fasting and prayers.
God’s Word in Isaiah 58:6-7 says: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thin own flesh? This means that fasting can set one lose from any kind of bondage and break every kind of yoke, when it is done effectively (Isaiah 58:8-14). It is not just abstaining from food or drink, but abstaining with a major purpose of seeking God in prayers via His Word, while maintaining a good Christian life that speaks.
This is an ‘all-round package’ for answered prayers that covers every area of need, including the salvation of your spouse! I see God answer your prayers according to the desires of your heart, as you simply put the above-mentioned points to work, in Jesus’ name! Don’t give up on your spouse; your own testimony is at hand.
However, the first thing to do for your fasting to be effective is to surrender your life to Christ and become a child of God. God will only listen to His children. God’s children are those who have accepted Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Saviour. If you will like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and become born-again, please say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
