What is fasting?
Fasting is a temporary process of abstaining from something that is in itself good, like food, in order to intensify our expression of need for God and His work in our lives. During this time, we focus on worship, prayer, and self-discipline.
Why do we fast and what is its purpose?
We fast because in doing so, we follow Jesus’ example. Also, in Matthew 6:6, we see that Jesus said, “And when you fast…” showing that He had an expectation that His followers would be people who fast.
We fast so that we lessen our appetite for the things of this world and increase our appetite for God and our relationship with Him. It expresses our need for God above everything else in our lives.
Promises related to fasting
The prophet Isaiah reveals the promises related to fasting in Isaiah 58:6-14:
Freedom from heavy burdens and oppression
Healing and protection
Answers to problems we may have been pondering
Spiritual guidance, spiritual growth, and spiritual refreshing
Being used by God to bring restoration to others
God will be our delight and bring us great honor.
Different ways to fast
Regular fast: Refraining from eating all food. Most people still drink water or juice during a regular fast.
Partial fast
One way is to fast one or more meals in a day for the duration of the fast
Another way is to do a Daniel fast: This is a type of fast where we only eat fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Essentially, food that is completely natural and has not been processed.
Full Fast: No food or drink for the period of fasting.
Ideas of alternative things to fast
When choosing something else to fast, it’s important that it is meaningful to us as it shapes our experience and connection with Jesus. We should miss its presence in our lives, and the lack of it should remind us of our purpose and connection to God. Some ideas are:
Sweets and other junk food
TV or Social Media
Coffee
Certain kinds of music
“God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” Hebrews 11:6
