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Key Scripture: Mark 6:41
"And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all."
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is biblical and seen throughout the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT).
Isaiah 58:5 - It is not meant for show or to manipulate God but to align ourselves with Him.
Isaiah 58:6 – The purpose of fasting is to loose the bands of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, and set the oppressed free.
Jesus instructs us to fast in secret with the right heart (Matthew 6:16-18).
Fasting humbles us, strengthens our faith, and deepens our dependence on God.
Matthew 17:20-21 – Some levels of faith and spiritual victory only come through prayer and fasting.
Practical Guidance for Fasting
Monthly fast: Begins Sunday at 8 PM until after prayer meeting Monday night.
Occasional three-day fasts for deeper spiritual breakthrough.
New believers: Start with fasting a meal and build up gradually.
More mature believers: Push as much as possible while listening to your body.
Drink water and non-sweetened beverages as long as possible but do what you feel you need to do to sustain yourself.
Repentance & Deliverance
Mark 6:12-13 – The disciples preached repentance and cast out devils.
Repentance requires turning away from sin, not just words but a heart change.
Sin is not casually picked up or laid down—it takes intentional effort to break free.
New believers experience struggles, but God and His church provide support.
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (Mark 6:37-42)
The disciples saw an impossible task, but Jesus saw a miraculous opportunity.
Sometimes, we must sit and wait while God teaches and molds us before He blesses us.
He blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it—the process of multiplication. (v.41)
Why Does God Allow Breaking?
1. Breaking Prepares Us for Greater Use
Brokenness allows God's blessing to be multiplied.
Joseph (Genesis 37-41) endured trials before stepping into his calling.
2. Breaking Teaches Us Dependence on God
Trials remind us that He is our source.
The disciples lacked food, but Jesus made the little they had more than enough.
3. Breaking Leads Us to Spiritual Growth
Moses, David, and Peter all experienced seasons of breaking before fulfilling their purpose.
Psalm 51:17 – "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
The Power of Brokenness
Mark 6:43 – The disciples collected 12 baskets of broken pieces.
Brokenness is not meant to destroy us, and it never goes to waste.
The broken fragments may seem useless now but will be needed later.
1 Peter 1:5-9 – Trials refine our faith and lead to salvation.
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