And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23 ESV

Jesus leads us on the paths of righteousness, which lead to eternal dwellings. We have to follow Him to get there. We have to make the choice daily to pick up our cross and follow Him, putting to death the flesh and living according to the Spirit. Jesus said the way that leads to life is difficult.

If you find your flesh getting a say in your life, controlling actions or decisions, fasting is a great way to get flesh back in its place, crucified and buried with Christ.

My husband broke completely, permanently free of a sin struggle years back by going on a 40-day fast, which required him to deny his flesh. Currently, he and I fast once a week, just a good reminder to the flesh to stay where it belongs. It can’t control my decisions or actions by telling me even that I am hungry, thirsty. Fasting helps me live in the truth that I truly only need Jesus.