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THE TWO ASPECTS OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

by Isaiah-Phillips Akintola

Matthew 17:21 however, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
In Christianity, our relationship with God can be understood through two key aspects. The first aspect is what God promises to do for us—His divine commitments to guide, protect, and provide for us and this can mean several things beyond our imagination.

The second aspect focuses on what God expects from us—our responsibility to know, understand, and act according to His will. These two aspects form the foundation of a Christian life, interweaving God’s grace with our obedience and faithfulness.

However, living out our part of this covenant relationship has become increasingly challenging due several facts that stems from ignorance, laziness, and the challenge from the forces of darkness in seeking to present us. We find ourselves in an environment that is spiritually toxic and highly infectious. Secular humanism and distorted religious beliefs, often masquerading as true Christianity, dominate much of today’s culture. These false ideologies and diluted forms of faith can confuse and mislead believers, making it difficult to hold fast to genuine Christian values and teachings.

The objective of this cultural toxicity is unmistakable: it aims to neutralize, desensitize, and immobilize any force that fosters spiritual growth and maturity in the Lord. We are currently experiencing a period in which God’s prophetic purposes encounter unparalleled resistance. Never before has God’s intention for His people been so vigorously challenged, as the enemy relentlessly strives to weaken believers’ faith and sever their connection to their divine purpose.

Amidst this spiritual struggle, fasting stands out as a powerful tool to help Christians regain focus, clarity, and strength. Fasting provides an advantage, giving us the opportunity to maintain spiritual sensitivity, drive, and passion, which are essential for staying aligned with God’s will. It acts as a countermeasure against the cultural forces that seek to distract us, allowing us to remain firmly on the path God has set for our lives.

A fast that is focused on spiritual growth and maturity allows us to engage with and confront the toxic culture around us. In a world that tries to pull us away from our calling in Christ, fasting helps us resist these influences and stay true to our purpose. It empowers us to recalibrate our lives, bringing us back into alignment with God’s intentions.

However, fasting is not without its challenges. When you begin to fast, it often feels like an intense internal battle between your will, desires, and feelings. These desires naturally resist the discipline of fasting. If you are not intentional about surrendering your desires on the altar of self-control, they will overpower you, and you may find yourself succumbing to excuses. Fasting, at its core, is about breaking the habits that your body, mind, and emotions have become accustomed to over time.

During the early days of fasting, your body will fight back. Pain, discomfort, and cravings surface as your body resists the sudden change in routine. These physical reactions are natural, and they aim to stop you from continuing the fast. The body craves what it’s used to, and fasting interrupts that comfort, triggering resistance.

At this point, discipline becomes crucial. Your body may want to revert to its familiar patterns, but through fasting, you’re charting a new course—a course that will benefit you spiritually, though your body and mind may resist. It takes self-discipline to stay committed to your plan. But if you persist, after a few days, your body begins to comply with your intentions, and the initial struggle subsides.

Understanding why you are fasting is critical to the success of the fast. Your objective must be clear. The purpose of fasting, beyond fulfilling personal needs, is to transform the environment of your mind, body, and spirit. Through this transformation, you can hear God more clearly, discerning what heaven is saying or asking of you. In other words, fasting sharpens your spiritual senses, allowing you to attune yourself to God’s voice.

Spiritual growth, development, and maturity depend greatly on the environment in which they occur. Just as a seed cannot thrive in poor soil, spiritual seeds cannot flourish if the surrounding environment is not conducive. No matter how well-intentioned your efforts are, if the conditions are not right, your spiritual growth will be stunted. Fasting helps to cultivate the right environment, removing the toxins of distraction, doubt, and confusion, and creating space for the Holy Spirit to move freely in your life.

Our relationship with God involves both receiving His promises and fulfilling His expectations. But in a world that is increasingly hostile to spiritual growth, fasting provides a way to stay rooted in God’s will. It helps us overcome the toxic culture around us, renew our minds, and create a fertile environment for our spiritual lives to grow and mature. Through fasting, we gain the strength and clarity needed to hear God’s voice and continue along the path He has laid out for us.

Highlighted benefits from my personal fasting experience:

1. Clarity of mind and purpose
2. Spiritual awakening and rejuvenation
3. A profound sense of peace
4. Enhanced spiritual healing.
5. A fresh perspective and renewal
6. A heightened desire for God’s word and presence
7. A deeper sense of forgiveness
8. A newfound hope and strengthened faith.
9. A sense of direction and purpose
10. An enriched understanding of Christ’s love for oneself and others