Money can become a stronghold in life when Satan uses it to destroy God’s people. In our 40 Day Financial Fasting Experience, Dr. Elmer Towns reminds us how the enemy of our souls used greed to attack the early church (read Acts 5:1-11) and the consequences for Ananias and Sapphria were death. With hearts blinded by money, they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3) and died.
(image: unsplash)
In the Old Testament, Satan attacks the wealth of Job and Dr. Towns cautions us, “While the account of Job looks like a story about money..it’s about one man’s relationship with God. And our financial problems are not about money. They’re about our relationship with God.” That’s a heavy concept to grasp!
We tend to dissociate our money problems from our relationship with God. We hide behind debt, we turn a blind eye to spending habits, we cave into temptation to feed an empty heart and mind. The Bible tells us to turn to God, not money or things.
Perhaps you know the woman who is dissatisfied with her income, house, appearance and things? She feels defeated by her wants, not allowing God to fill her needs. Like a toddler with a temper tantrum, she demands more and prays less. “I want, I need, I deserve, I will…” are her language of self-interest. She wants, when she cannot afford. She needs, because she didn’t plan ahead. She deserves, because she associates money with love. She will ignore the Holy Spirit in order to fill her dissatisfied heart. Satan will sidetrack her, convincing her to buy the good things she deserves so she will not miss an opportunity to be happy and satisfied. Does this remind you of a woman named Eve and a tempting apple?
As you continue to fast and pray, ask the Lord to reveal those people in your life who encourage you to divert money away from the work of God. Perhaps it’s a spouse, family member…or even you.
We’re in the final days of our 40-day fasting, and I’m reminded that the enemy tempted Jesus at the end of his 40 days.
You’ll experience spiritual warfare intended to pull you apart from God; resist the enemy.
You’ll experience negative words, frustration, perhaps anger in the days ahead; recognize the enemy.
You’ll experience a deeper and closer relationship with God.
You’ll experience a better understanding of God’s purpose for your money.
You’ll experience a new peace over your budget, finances and debt.
You’ll experience freedom in Christ.
Stand firm my friends! The greatest experience is yet to come.
Financial Fasting Scriptures to Study or Memorize
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT)
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! Matthew 25:21 (NLT)
Tip: using your cell phone, snap a photo of these verses so you can find them easily
Steps For Spiritual Growth
- Fast and pray continuously. Fast and pray to be cleansed of sin barriers
- Continue to expand your knowledge on money. Explore website and books as the Holy Spirit leads you.
- Book: “Fasting For Financial Breakthrough” by Dr. Elmer Towns, read chapters 7 and 8, epilogue (optional) (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
- Join us on Facebook for daily prayer and community support.
