PROFITABLE APPROACH TO FASTING: APOSTLE DR. MICHAEL MBAND
Fasting is more than abstaining from food—it's a divine strategy for supernatural breakthroughs, generational blessings, and spiritual empowerment. In his sermon “Profitable Approach to Fasting,” Apostle Dr. Michael Mband offers a powerful, practical blueprint for making fasting truly impactful in a believer’s life.
1. Engage in Praying for Spiritual Leaders
Apostle Mband teaches that fasting is most profitable when accompanied by prayers for spiritual leaders, not just personal needs. He draws on Ephesians 6:18–20, Colossians 4:2–4, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2 to emphasize the biblical mandate to intercede for those who shepherd our souls. Supporting spiritual leaders in prayer connects believers to the anointing and divine enablement upon their lives. The well-being and victory of a flock often depend on the strength of its shepherd; when spiritual leaders are strong, their followers are spiritually covered and protected.
He illustrates this with the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur: as long as Moses' hands were lifted in prayer, Israel prevailed in battle. When his hands lowered, defeat threatened. Supporting leaders in prayer upholds the body of Christ in spiritual warfare.
2. Approach God Through the Name of Jesus
To access the fullness of God’s answers, Apostle Mband teaches the necessity of approaching the Father in the name of Jesus. Drawing from John 14:12–14, he asserts that praying in Jesus’ name assures divine intervention. Believers should confidently remind God of His promise—“Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it”—as they pray.
3. Pray in the Spirit
Fasting should be fused with praying in the Spirit. Apostle Mband references Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:14–15, and Jude 1:20, urging believers to pray both with their understanding and in tongues. Praying in the Spirit builds spiritual strength, reveals mysteries, and charges the believer’s faith. He insists that those who cannot or do not pray in tongues are limited in their spiritual experience, referencing testimonies from powerful men of God for whom praying in the Spirit was foundational.
4. The Blessings and Power of Fasting
Apostle Mband outlines four major blessings and dimensions of supernatural intervention unlocked through fasting:
Supernatural Breakthroughs: Isaiah 58:12 and Luke 4:14–37 reveal that fasting brings restoration, uplifts generations, and provokes breakthroughs in life and ministry. The effects of fasting reach not just the individual, but their children and future generations.
Supernatural Glorification: According to Isaiah 58:8 and Isaiah 61:7, fasting leads to divine honor, health, and joy—a double portion for shame and confusion.
Destruction of Satanic Resistance: Fasting, as seen in Isaiah 58:6 and Matthew 17:19–21, breaks down spiritual barriers and sets captives free. Some obstacles and adversaries will only move through earnest prayer and fasting.
Securing the Future of Generations: Fasting and prayer are investments in the destinies of descendants (Isaiah 58:12). Apostle Mband shares personal testimony about praying for his children’s futures, stressing that our spiritual engagements today determine our family’s tomorrow.
5. Practical Encouragement for Believers
Apostle Mband encourages every believer to:
- Set aside selfish prayers and intercede for spiritual leaders and others.
- Always use the name of Jesus in prayer for assurance of answers.
- Develop the discipline of praying in the Spirit for spiritual edification.
- Remember that fasting is not just for the present, but has far-reaching implications for generations to come.
- Understand that victory in life’s battles is won on the knees—in prayer and fasting—not merely by effort or intellect.
“You might not live your tomorrow today, but it is possible to prepare your tomorrow so that by the time you get there, everything is good for you in Jesus’ name. That you can do through fasting and prayer.” —Apostle Dr. Michael Mband
