Why do we need to fast?
80What is FASTING? ( Oxford dictionary defines fasting as)
- Abstaining from food, or certain food, for a time.
And what is biblical fasting?
- Fasting is a Christian’s voluntary abstinence from food or drinks or other fleshly appetite (e.g. TV, internet, sport/game, sex, spa, etc.) for a specified period of time for a spiritual purpose.
Why do we need to fast?
· It is a discipline practiced by Christians
· To have a deeper level of intimacy with God
· To achieve spiritual breakthroughs and revival
What can one expect from fasting?
1. Divine intimacy. Fasting means we worship God by earnestly seeking Him more than worldly pleasures. When we say no to our fleshly appetites, our hunger for God grows, and we get to taste His presence. (James 4:8; Luke 14:18-20; Mark 4:19)
2. Divine instruction (or guidance). Fasting makes us more sensitive to God’s voice. We get to live in accordance with God’s plans and purposes for our lives as our steps are directed to where God wants us to be and to do what He wants us to do. (Isaiah 58:6)
3. Divine intervention (or power). There are strongholds of Satan, sin patterns, habits, or problems (like obstacles to the salvation of people) that cannot be removed or solved except through fasting. Fasting reduces the power of self so that the Holy Spirit’s power can work.
Example: In Acts 13:1-5, fasting and prayer resulted in people being called (divine intimacy), people responding to the call (divine instruction or guidance), and spiritual revival taking place thereafter (divine intervention or power).
Kinds of fast:
1. MEAL A DAY FAST (1 skipped meal per day)
2. 2 MEALS A DAY FAST (2 skilled meals a day)
3. FULL FAST (no meals during the day)
4. Fleshly pleasures, appetites besides food ( TV, INTERNET, SPORT/GAME, SECULAR MUSIC, SECULAR BOOKS/READING MATERIALS, SEX (only if there are married couples), SHOPPING, SPA, OTHERS.
EXAMINE YOUR LIFE.
- What may be the things (relationships, work, plans, etc) that you are settling SECOND-BEST for?
- What blessings are you missing because you have settled for second-best and not God’s best?
- What problem or situation are you in at present that needs God’s supernatural intervention?
- Not only evil things take us away from God but even good things. What are the blessings and good things God has given you but could take you farther from Him?
As Christians, we must aim for righteousness beyond human eyes. What matters is what God thinks of us.
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Thanks, sir Dent. Actually fasting is not only spiritually beneficial, but physically as well. Our God is a genius. We are His masterpieces and He really knows what is best for us.
God bless you.
Hmm... interesting angle on fasting. Usually we hear about fasting from health practitioners. This is the first time I've read about fasting that is from the angle of Christianity.
Thanks for the hub.
Cheers.
Really nikoman? I've always known fasting on the spiritual angle, and only recently, on health.
Thanks for the feedback. Cheers to you as well.
Intersting, thank you. Something to study and test. I'm excited now.
Hey blanghehr, you won't regret fasting a bit. Like I said, its physically beneficial as much as spiritual. Please fill me in on the results, I am as excited to know.
Thanks for the feedback.
This is kind of spooky; I’ve really been thinking about and praying about fasting for months now. I’ve even started a day and in the heat and pressure of my work day I’ll forget and eat. I feel bad briefly then realize God loves me and that I just need to work harder for him. I think I’ll plan the day on a Sunday, so I can focus the attempt and have support from my wonderful family. I will certainly share the results, thank you.
God Bless,
BHL
BHL,
I am with you in spirit. You can do it!
Great hub
God Bless
This question was answered by my pastor for me a few months back. You have stated it as I understood it by him. Thanks for the hub
God Bless You!
Dear commentonthis7 - thanks. God bless you always.
hi sassymac9. There's really a lot more to fasting than this, but this is a good start, really. I will see if I can do a part 2, even 3 of this. We can go deeper still. God bless you.
hi sassymac9. There's really a lot more to fasting than this, but this is a good start, really. I will see if I can do a part 2, even 3 of this. We can go deeper still. God bless you.
I like the idea! To disipline the body and the mind both for a time in order to allow other things to take their place...are they good things or bad? I will have to try it and find out.
Hi Woody marx. If you havent tried fasting yet, I highly suggest you do. You will come to realize that the hunger of the physical body translates to the hunger for the things of God. And as you fast, you are right, the body is then brought to a detox kind of stage, thus, making it function more efficiently, eventually.
Try it and find out. Thanks for the comment.
I do know about fasting but i find it difficult to do because i thought it should always be without food as my body without food gives me complications. once i know i can skip a meal or two, i'll dive myself into it soon
It can make your body weak and there is more possibility to get more health problems. But learn for what, why and how to fast, then you will feel energitic and ur mind will be clean and clear. it seems as moses had 80days without food when he was in the mount.
renil.kpz@gmail.com
I guess I came late to the discussion, but I'm glad I came - you wrote very well on the subject of fasting. I enjoy your ineraction with the comments just as much. Thank you - looking forward to reading more.
The american church needs this more than ever. The lord has put on my heart to fast often this year and has given me alot of insight to the spiritual aspects to fasting. When we deny our flesh , it gives us hunger pain and weakness to let us know its starving. Our spirit does the same thing but most of us don't recognize the signs. We think that certain struggles are just part of life. I have been given victory over certain sins in my life ( after a three day fast ) only to have it return sometimes even stronger a while after the fast. The effects of a fast are temporary ( like food ) and must be repeated to maintain spiritual strength ( just like we need to constantly eat to retain physical strength ) . This is what I'm trying this year as I feel that is what the Lord is telling me
God bless
Daveprice, thanks for the feedback, appreciate it
WOW IT IS JUST WHAT I WAS SEARCHING FOR
PRAISE BE TO GOD WONDERFUL REVELATION
SirDent Level 4 Commenter 4 years ago
Very well put. If we do not crucify our flesh, (fast), our spirit will not grow strong. Thanks for sharing.