Fasting and Prayer
Day 2: Deliverance Begins with Surrender
December 27, 2025
During this time of fasting and prayer, it is important to remember that we do not fast to make God do anything. We fast so that we can hear His voice more clearly, know His will more fully, and strengthen our ability to surrender and submit to Him.
Fasting helps us remove distractions and positions us to receive direction from heaven. It also helps break spiritual strongholds and prepares us to walk in greater freedom.
One of the greatest keys to deliverance is surrender. Deliverance does not have to be loud, dramatic, or complicated. Sometimes it is simply a matter of deciding to surrender to God and allowing Him to do His work in our lives. Jesus said, "According to your faith be it unto you." Deliverance can happen according to our faith and willingness to obey.
The Foundation of Intercession
Prayer and intercession are clearly established in Scripture.
1 Timothy 2:1
"I urge you first of all to pray for all people. Ask God to help them. Intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them."
As believers, we are called to pray not only for ourselves but also for our families, churches, cities, and nation. Intercession means standing in the gap for others and praying as though their need were our own.
Ephesians 6:18
"Praying in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion."
Prayer requires spiritual alertness and persistence. We are to pray in alignment with God's Word and remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to help us.
John 14:16-17
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate. He never leaves us and leads us into truth.
John 16:13
The Spirit of Truth guides us into all truth and reveals what is to come.
Because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, He protects us from deception and helps us discern God's voice.
Deliverance Starts in the Mind
One of the most important truths I have learned is that deliverance begins in the mind.
Years ago, I made decisions that took me outside of God's best plan for my life. I was motivated by fear and trusted my own understanding rather than fully trusting God. The breakthrough did not begin when circumstances changed. It began when I recognized there was a problem and repented.
The moment I acknowledged the truth, my deliverance process began.
I repented.
I returned to the Word of God.
I returned to praise and worship.
And God brought breakthrough.
Deliverance often starts when we stop defending our position and start agreeing with God.
The Renewed Mind and God's Will
Romans 12:2
"Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
Many people struggle because they continue thinking according to the world's systems instead of God's Kingdom principles.
A renewed mind is essential if we want to discern God's will and walk in His purpose.
Pulling Down Strongholds
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Scripture teaches us to destroy strongholds, false arguments, and every proud obstacle that opposes the knowledge of God.
Strongholds begin in our thinking.
Wrong thinking produces wrong believing.
Wrong believing produces wrong living.
That is why every rebellious thought must be brought into obedience to Christ.
Two Major Obstacles to Deliverance
The Lord impressed upon me that two powerful forces keep many people bound:
Manipulation
Manipulation seeks to control the mind and influence decisions apart from God's truth.
Deception
Deception causes people to believe lies as though they were truth.
Both are attacks against the mind.
Both can only be overcome through the Word of God, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Seven Strongholds That Hinder Deliverance
Drawing from my study of deliverance, these common strongholds often prevent people from walking in freedom:
1. Denial
Refusing to face the truth.
2. Fantasy
Escaping reality and living in an imaginary world instead of confronting truth.
3. Emotional Isolation
Withdrawing from others because of fear, rejection, or hurt.
4. Regression
Longing for less threatening times instead of facing present realities with faith.
5. Displacement
Taking frustration and anger out on other people.
6. Projection
Blaming others rather than accepting personal responsibility.
7. Rationalization
Making excuses for behavior that God wants to change.
These patterns may appear different on the surface, but they are all connected to the battle for the mind.
Freedom Comes Through Truth
Jesus is the Truth.
The Word of God is Truth.
The Holy Spirit leads us into Truth.
When we embrace God's truth and reject deception, deliverance becomes possible.
The goal is not merely to remove strongholds. The goal is transformation.
2 Corinthians 5:17
"If anyone belongs to Christ, he has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun."
As believers, we are called to walk in that new life and allow God to transform our thinking, our desires, and our actions.
Final Prayer Focus
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where manipulation, deception, denial, fear, or strongholds may be operating.
Repent where necessary.
Receive God's forgiveness.
Forgive yourself.
Forgive others.
Then surrender fully to God's purpose, trusting Him to lead you into greater freedom, healing, and spiritual maturity.
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