By now if you have been a regular reader of my blog, you know that I consecrate myself with fasting and prayer before God for 21 days at the beginning of the year.

Fasting.

That is not an activity many run to do or cannot wait to talk about. However, it is a tried-and-true remedy few take advantage of or if they do participate, it is out of duty rather than desire. You know, like getting married because it was an arrangement versus getting married because you love that person. Although the process may be challenging at times, I love the results. It’s almost a well-kept secret. It keeps the person who sincerely engages in it well in alignment with God but it is certainly not a secret. Although some wish it would quietly go away!

Why do I fast?

Overall, fasting handcuffs my flesh while I feed my spirit with the Word of God and grow in communion with Jesus. The following is a list of “go-gets” when I go into my time of fasting and prayer.

Guidance

I ask for God’s guidance and protection for my family and myself during the year. He sees what’s up ahead, I don’t. He’s already been there before I get there. It does not mean he’s going to erase all my problems. Oh, to the contrary, he suits me up for what is ahead and positions himself as my coach throughout the year. There will be challenges and victories. But I’m not doing this alone (2 Chronicles 20:15).

Petition God

Over the course of the years, he has answered prayers of salvation for dear loved ones. He has canceled death when the doctors told all the family to gather. When cancer was pushing its way in the bodies of family and friends, Jesus pushed back. I am driven by the spirit to intercede for things that haven’t materialized yet. For those answers that I am yet waiting for he teaches me patience and how to get out of the way and not be the cause of the delay.

Communion with God

The #1 enemy that gets in the way of my progression towards greater things in Christ is “me”. This time with Jesus allows me to enter a place in God where “me”, my flesh can’t go. I fast to diminish the fleshy “me” giving rise to the spirit (my innate connection to spiritual things) God has placed in me. I feed my spirit everything God; Bible, inspirational music, prayer, sermons, and meditation. Then, I listen to what He has to say. Many times, I’ve left the presence of God knowing He has enjoyed our communion as much as I did. I leave refreshed, exhilarated, and ready!

Spiritual Wellness Check and Maintenance

Did I mention my biggest problem is “me?”  Just as you would take a vehicle in for servicing, you should also take your spirit and soul in for a spiritual wellness check. God runs a Bible-based diagnostic to determine who is controlling my spirit, Him or me? He normally has to make some adjustments here and there. Once I let him sit on the throne of my spirit then my soul (mind, will and emotions) falls in alignment with God’s Maintenance Manual (the Bible).

Philippians 2:5 (AMPC)
⁵Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

Power Over the Enemy

God has given us spiritual authority over principalities in high places (Ephesians 6:12). I need to walk in the authority Jesus Christ has passed down to me lest I end up like the sons of Sceva who thought they could wield Jesus’ name around to cast out demons only to have their rear-ends handed to them by the demon they tried to cast out (Acts 19:13-16). When you are aligned with the Throne Room, you know who you are and the authority you have over God’s enemies.

Blessings upon Blessing

I cannot remember the last time I asked God for something I wanted. Why? I discovered if I follow the principles of God, blessings automatically come with obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Obedience and blessings are paired like Simon & Schuster, peas & carrots and hot dogs & ketchup; they just go together.

I fast not because of what He gives me but what I become in Him and who He is to me.

You may say, “That’s okay for you, but fasting is optional.”

Is it?

Is Fasting an Option?

We find the answer in Matthew chapter 6 where Jesus is instructing his disciples how to pray.

Matthew 6: 9, 16-18 (NKJV)

⁹ In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name…

Jesus continues instruction but moves on to fasting.

¹⁶ “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 

¹⁷ But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 

¹⁸ so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Jesus says “when you fast” as if there is no question about whether you will fast or not.  

In another setting, Jesus responds to questions about his disciples fasting.

Matthew 9:14-15 (NKJV)

¹⁴ Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast ^[a]often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁵ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast

Jesus’ response reveals the time it would be appropriate for his disciples to fast. That is when he leaves them alluding to his resurrection and ascension.

This same account is found in Mark 2:18-20 and Luke 5:33-35.

Biblical Reasons for Fasting

Repentance

1 Samuel 7:6 – Israel fasted in repentance from worshipping other gods.

Jonah 3:5-10 – The king and people of Nineveh fasted in repentance over the pronouncements of Jonah.

Even the heathen can move God in fasting!                                                                                                                                                                                            

Intercession

Daniel 9:3-6 – Daniel fasts to intervene on behalf of Israel.

Esther 4:3 – Mordecai and Syrian Jews fasted after hearing the news that king Ahasuerus had decreed a day designated to destroy all Jews and confiscate their goods to the king’s treasury.

2 Samuel 12:21-22 – David fasted in petition for his sick child to live.

Mourning

1 Samuel 31:12-13 – Valiant men of Israel fasted over the death of King Saul and his sons.

Nehemiah 1:4 – Nehemiah fasted over the great affliction of the Babylonian Jews in Jerusalem trying to rebuild.

Intercession and Revelation

Daniel chapters 9 and10. Daniel intercedes for Israel and is given a vision. An angel is sent to make him understand the vision.

Seek God’s Intervention

2 Chronicles 20:3 – King Jehoshaphat and Israel fasted for the Lord’s help against their enemy.

Ezra 8: 21-23 – Ezra and Babylonian Jews fasted for help against their enemies that didn’t want the Jews to rebuild and resettle Jerusalem.

To Break Spiritual Bondage

Isaiah 58:6 – Fasting sanctioned to break the oppressed free from bondage.

Stay in Communion with God

This is the Air I Breathe by Hillsong Worship

Luke 2:37 – And widow did not leave the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. God rewarded her by allowing her to meet baby Jesus face to face.

2 Corinthians 11:27 – Besides all the trials Paul was subjected to he also chose to fast to stay in communion with God.

To Choose Ministry Appointments

Acts 13:1-3 – Paul and Barnabas chosen to missionary work through fasting and prayer.

Acts 14:23 – Elders ordained through fasting and prayer.

For Revelation

Acts 10:29-31 – As a devout Roman, Cornelius fasted and God sent Peter to him to preach Christ. He and his family were saved.

Types of Fasting

• Absolute Fasting – no food or water.
• Partial Fasting – limited food and liquid intake such as,
  • Only consuming fruit and vegetable juices
  • Absolute Fasting from a designated time in the morning until a designated time in the evening
  • Fasting from a certain food group like sweets or meats
  • Daniel Fast
• Non-Food Fast – abstinence from something other than food and drink such as social media, television, etc.

It is my opinion that one should fast from any activity that detracts from the purpose of the fast. If that activity is hard to give up, it is more than likely precisely what you should put aside during your fast.

Fasting Environments

• Individual Fasting – individual fasting for a particular purpose
• Corporate Fasting – group fasting to promote oneness and solidarity
• Habitual Fasting – individual fasting practiced on a regular basis as a spiritual discipline

How long do I fast?

Daniel’s example: 21 days

Jesus’ example: 40 days

Jesus did not specify the length of the fast, only that his bride, the Church would fast when he was taken away.

Right and Wrong Fasting

Components of Right Fasting

• Fasting is between you and God. You should look, act and dress normally (Matthew 6:17-18).
• To set free those under bondage (Isaiah 58:6).
• Incorporates spiritual grooming through prayer, reading, meditation, listening, etc.)
• To do good works (Isaiah 58:7).
• Renew your mind (Romans 12:1-2).
• Learn to live by the spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).
• Abstain from sexual relations during fasting and prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5).

Components of Wrong Fasting

• Pharisaical fasting; fasting as a religious boast (Matthew 6:16).
• Sincere spiritual grooming is non-existent (praying, reading, meditation, etc.).
• Unchecked behavior; not submissive to Biblical instructions and truths

Rewards of Fasting

Isaiah 58

• When you pray, He will answer quickly
• If you get hurt your wounds will heal quickly
• You will receive guidance and protection
• Your life will glorify Him
• God will provide for your needs
• He will restore your strength
• You will be like a well-watered garden, an ever-flowing spring.
• You will be a builder of what was broken
• You will be honored
• You will receive the inheritance promised

Fasting remains a fundamental biblical way to petition God, to sanctify oneself and to grow mighty in the spirit. Without prayer and fasting we merely are “washing up” instead of bathing in the rivers of His living water.                                                                                                           

What are the ramifications if a Christian does not fast?

Simple Answer:

• Their spiritual senses are dull and cannot easily discern between natural and spiritual things
• They are little threat to the enemy
• They do not maximize the benefits associated with fasting

In other words, they are driving a hoopty spiritually-speaking when they could be in a Bentley.

Well, that’s about it folks. I’m going to fast.

Will you join me from January 2 through January 22?

As added encouragement and support I and my Bible Study group will be praying on a conference line every morning at 6:00 am for 5 minutes on specific topics to kick-start your day. Join us by listening in.

We are taking prayer requests, either on the phone call or in the comments section of this blog. There will be people praying for your issue for at least 21 days.

Conference Call # (United States)

1 (774) 220-4000 pin# 255225

God bless and keep you. May His face be gracious toward you and give you peace in 2024!

Happy New Year!!!

Reckless Love of God – Cory Asbury

Reference

Types of Christian Fasting

What Is Fasting in the Bible? (Christian Fasting Explained) (equippinggodlywomen.com)