Prayer and Fasting against Stubborn Spirits

Prayer and Fasting Against Stubborn Spirits

“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21 (KJV)

The Context Behind Matthew 17:21

In Matthew chapter 17, a man brought his son to Jesus, desperate for help. The boy suffered from seizures and was often thrown into fire or water by a tormenting spirit. The man had already taken his son to Jesus’ disciples, but they were unable to deliver the child.

Jesus responded by rebuking the spirit, and the boy was healed instantly.

Later, the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” Jesus replied that their unbelief was part of the issue, but He added something important: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

This verse highlights that some spiritual battles are not won by ordinary prayer alone. They require deeper spiritual engagement—through both prayer and fasting.

Launching My Business with Zeal but Little Knowledge

In June 2013, I launched my online business. I dove in with excitement, energy, and faith. But I lacked a solid understanding of how e-commerce actually worked.

For over a year, I didn’t make a single sale. It was discouraging, but I kept pressing forward. I prayed and asked God to send help. In time, He did. I connected with people who taught me about SEO, product pricing, and other tools I needed to improve my store.

Once I began applying their advice, my sales slowly started to increase.

When Progress Stalled

After a season of growth, my sales hit a plateau. No matter how much effort I put in, my business stayed stuck within the same monthly range. I was working hard but not seeing the results I had hoped for. The lack of progress was disheartening.

I knew I wasn’t lazy. I was showing up daily. Still, something invisible seemed to be blocking my advancement.

A Timely Word About Fasting

During this time, I came across a minister on YouTube named Kevin Ewing. In one of his livestreams, he taught about the importance of fasting, especially when dealing with spiritual forces that affect families over generations.

His message deeply resonated with me. I paused and reflected on my own family. I saw a clear pattern of financial insufficiency, cycles of struggle, and limited breakthrough.

I began to wonder: Could I be dealing with a stubborn spiritual pattern?

Taking Action Through Fasting and Prayer

Yesterday, I committed to a focused fast. I prayed, read Scripture, and replaced television and online distractions with time in God’s presence. I repented for any generational sins that may have contributed to cycles of lack. I prayed specifically against the spirit of poverty and insufficiency.

I also spoke blessings over my business. I declared that customers would come from the north, south, east, and west.

To my amazement, I saw immediate results. My sales tripled in less than 24 hours.

What Fasting Unlocked

This experience taught me something powerful. Fasting not only moved something spiritually, it also cleared my mind. While fasting, I received a new idea to implement, one that I had clarity and energy to act on right away. That strategy helped increase my traffic and sales.

Fasting helped me hear God more clearly. But I also had to act on the insight He gave me.

Fasting Is Not a Shortcut or Magic Formula

I want to be very clear. Fasting is not a shortcut to success. It is not a mystical formula where you fast and God automatically drops blessings into your lap.

My breakthrough came as a result of both spiritual discipline and strategic action. God gave me wisdom, but I had to carry it out. During my fast, I also reinvested in my business, and I plan to pursue mentorship and online courses in the coming year to strengthen my skills.

Moving Forward in Faith and Discipline

Because of what I experienced, I have committed to fasting at least once a week, or more as the Lord leads. Even after I reach my business goals, I plan to continue fasting regularly. I now see how prayer and fasting can break strongholds—not only in my life, but in the lives of others as well.

Final Encouragement

Is there an area in your life where you feel stuck? Is there a cycle in your family that seems to repeat itself no matter how hard you try?

Consider combining your prayers with fasting. Take time to seek God, repent, listen, and act. He may be waiting for you to go deeper so He can bring the breakthrough you have been longing for.

Let this be the season where you partner with God in both spirit and strategy—and experience victory in places where you were once defeated.