Fasting

A wonderful time to fast is at the beginning of each year. For the past 4 years, I have chosen to start the year off with a 21 day fast. It has been revolutionary. I believe my whole life has been impacted by this Spiritual discipline. It has been amazing to watch and see my son get a hold of this discipline, and his life take off for the glory of God. My whole family has been impacted as well. I challenge you to consider it as you begin 2010.

Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from something for the purpose of growing in self-discipline, which is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The most common is food. Fasting accompanied with prayer brings the anointing and blessing of God.

Jesus said, "And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. ¹⁷ But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. ¹⁸ Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matt 6:16-18

This passage comes right in the middle of Jesus teaching on prayer and giving. In this sermon, Jesus uses phrases like: "When you give" (v.2) "When you pray" (v.5), and "When you fast" (v.16). Jesus assumes his audience will give, will pray, and will fast. Fasting is not an option. It is natural part of a believers walk. We also see in this passage of scripture, your motive is vitally important to your fast. You can not manipulate God, fasting must come from the heart. One last truth you see in this passage, when you fast, you will be rewarded.

There are so many benefits to fasting. It draws you closer to the presence of God and His word. It promotes a breakthrough in your life. Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by an incoming army from Edom. He was filled with fear, and called a nationwide fast in Judah. This produced a breathrough for the nation of Judah. (2 Chronicles 20) Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and received the 10 commandments. (Exodus 34) Revelation comes through fasting. Direction comes through fasting, as we see with Nehemiah when he fasted about rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1) A time of Repentance for your nation comes in the midst of fasting according to Daniel. (Daniel 9) Wisdom with decisions comes as a result of fasting, the disciples fasted as they prepared for ministry. (Acts 13)

The length of the fast is totally up to what you feel God is calling you to do. I have heard of 1, 3, 7, 21, and 40 days.

There are many kinds of fast:
Water Fast- Means to abstain from all food and juices.
Partial Fast (Daniel Fast) - Eliminate certain foods and meals. (Maybe Vegetables and Fruit Only)
Juice Fast - Drink only vegetable and fruit juices.
Interest Fast - Abstain from an interest or hobby for a period of time.

Preparation for the fast has been critical for me. I have found if I would start preparing my mind, body, and spirit a few days before beginning, it will make a considerable difference. I will start eliminating sugar and caffeine a few days before I begin the fast, and helps my body get ready. I will also prepare my heart for the fast as well.

Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus. It is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit. Fasting is not about doing without, as it is about looking within. Fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude of the cry of the soul.

As you consider this spiritual discipline for 2010. Remember to have a purpose and focus to your fast, so you can see what God does. It will set the tone for the entire year, and you will reap the benefits the whole year as well.