A Profitable Approach to Fasting
By Apostle Dr. Michael Mband Introduction
Fasting remains a deeply spiritual discipline, but many believers engage in it without witnessing true transformation in their lives. In a recent message, Apostle Dr. Michael Mband shed light on how fasting can be truly profitable—changing lives, defeating darkness, and drawing believers into a deeper relationship with God.
Understanding Spiritual Signals
When a person embarks on fasting and prayer, they become spiritually known in both the heavenly and demonic realms. Similar to how a phone can be tracked when turned on, fasting sends "signals" into the spirit, drawing the attention of spiritual forces. This can sometimes result in increased temptations or spiritual battles—the enemy seeks out the one fasting, examines their weaknesses, and attempts to exploit them. Apostle Michael emphasizes that these early struggles are signs that your fasting is working, not indications to give up.
The Purpose of Fasting
Apostle Michael outlined two primary reasons for fasting:
Fasting Changes You: More than asking God to change your situation, fasting exposes your weaknesses and character flaws so you can confront and overcome them through prayer and dependence on God. The challenges you face during fasting are opportunities for growth and personal victory.
Fasting Defeats Darkness: Fasting, coupled with prayer, is a powerful force against spiritual opposition. As you become spiritually stronger through fasting, God can trust you to face tougher challenges, knowing you have the capacity to overcome and gain spiritual authority.
The Right Attitude in Fasting
Apostle Michael warned against fasting with the wrong heart. Fasting should never be approached in anger, bitterness, or selfish ambition. Instead, it should be done with joy, faith, and a heart full of expectation. Joyful worship, thanksgiving, and genuine praise are keys to an effective and spiritually rewarding fast. Keys to a
Profitable Fast
- Pray for Others
A major pillar of profitable fasting is intercession. Don't make your prayers solely about your own needs. Instead, include prayers for others, your pastor, church, and even your nation. Apostle Michael highlighted scriptural backing for this, noting that prayers for others often return as answered blessings in your own life.
2. Come with Assurance of Faith
Fasting requires more than ritual; it demands faith. Approach God with a true, unwavering heart—no plan B or alternatives. Believe that God will do what He has promised. Use fasting as a time to pray for your own faith to grow, and to immerse yourself in scripture, which builds and sustains faith.
3. Remind God of His Word
Biblical fasting includes presenting your requests with strong, scriptural reasons. As the Bible advises, "Produce your cause... bring forth your strong reasons" (Isaiah 41:21). Seek specific promises from God's word that align with your needs and continually "put God in remembrance" of them. This is the foundation for praying according to His will and receiving answers.
Practical Spiritual Warfare
The message emphasized that increased trials during fasting are not signs of ineffectiveness but of spiritual advancement. Just as in life, greater battles precede greater victories and glory. The discipline of fasting is a training ground—for facing down opposition, growing in faith, and maturing in spiritual authority.
Supporting Your Pastor and Community
Apostle Michael urged believers to pray for their pastors, leaders, and one another. He cited biblical examples where the support and intercession of the community made the difference between victory and defeat. Supporting your pastor and fellow believers in prayer fosters unity and sets the stage for God’s blessings to flow more freely within the church.
Conclusion
Fasting, when approached correctly—with an open heart, strong faith, intercessory focus, and scriptural grounding—becomes a powerful tool for personal transformation and spiritual victory. Let every season of fasting be marked by joy, expectation, self-examination, and genuine love for others. This is the profitable way to fast, as taught by Apostle Dr. Michael Mband.
