This article was
co-written by David Holt
Boshart, Jr. and Tonya Smiley
All applicable copyright © laws apply and are reserved by the Christ-Centered
Mall.
What Is Fasting?
One of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare that
God has given to His children is fasting -- a way of crucifying the flesh or
denying your flesh the basic sustenance of food. Although fasting will weaken
you physically, it will highly enlighten you spiritually.
It is important to note that fasting should be combined with prayer for
utmost effectiveness.
Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline that informs God
that you are serious about repentance. Fasting is a significant part of your
Christian walk just as praying and reading the Bible is significant. Fasting is
for everyone who desires to draw closer to God.
When you fast, you do not have to give up just food; it can be anything of
importance to you that is a sacrifice to give up. Whenever you fast, you need to
pray and seek the Lord, otherwise you are just depriving your body of food and
not getting in touch with what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you.
Although fasting is not commanded in the Bible, it is expected of all believers
in their Christian walk, for Matthew 6:17-18 says "when you fast." Jesus did not
say, "if you fast" but rather "when you fast'; therefore Jesus reveals through
scripture that fasting is expected of us; however, it is not commanded (for
example, you are not committing sin by not fasting).
Types of Fasts
The
Normal Fast involves
abstaining from all solid and liquid food except for water.
The Absolute Fast
involves abstaining from both food and drink. You should never stay on this fast
more than three days unless under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The Partial Fast
involves abstaining from just certain foods. You can live on just certain foods
during the duration of this fast such as bread and water, or you may choose to
fast a certain meal each day.
The Daniel Fast
consists of fruits, vegetables, and water.
The Juice Fast
consists of fruit and vegetable juices only.
The Television and Entertainment Fast
involves setting aside television, radio, newspapers, and other forms of
entertainment to seek the Lord.
The Water, Honey, & Lemon Fast
is considered a cleansing fast. Squeeze ½ lemon in a cup of hot water and add
honey to add flavor. This recipe can be used for an extended fast
Reasons for fasting
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of
injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break
every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer
with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from
your own flesh and blood? (Isaiah 58:6-7 NIV)
There are 7 reasons for fasting according to Isaiah 58:6-7, and they are as
follows:
1. To bring justice
2. To undo heavy burdens and break the yoke of bondage
3. To free the oppressed and loose the bands of wickedness
4. To share food
5. To provide shelter for the poor
6. To clothe the naked
7. To provide for one's family
There are other reasons as well:
1. To mourn and repent
Daniel 10:2-3 (Also see Esther 4:3; Isaiah 58:5; Joel 2:12-13; Zechariah 7:5)
2. To receive God's instructions Exodus 34:28
(Also see Acts 9:9-12; Acts 13:2)
3. To die to the flesh Isaiah 58:3
4. For humility and deliverance from bondage
Psalm 35:13 (Also see I Samuel 7:3-14; Ezra 8:21-23)
5. To resist the devil's temptations I
Corinthians 7:5 (Also see Luke 4:1-2)
6. Due to lack of food I Kings 19:8
7. For health and healing Isaiah 58:8 (Also
see Psalm 35:13)
8. For spiritual power to cast out demons
Matthew 17:18-21
Preparation
The first thing you need to do before you fast is set a definite time period
for your fast. Will your fast be 1 meal, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, 40 days?
The second thing you need to do is decide which type of fast you will
undertake. Will it be a normal fast, a Daniel fast, or perhaps a television and
entertainment fast?
If you are going on a prolonged fast, please don't begin your fast immediately
but rather gradually cut your food intake back and then begin your fast. Also
cease drinking caffeine products a few days before you start a prolonged fast so
you can get over the withdrawl headaches before you start.
Precautions
Drink warm water instead of cold and
do not drink too much water at one time. Do not drink milk, coffee, or other
beverages during the fast for this will be considered dieting and not fasting.
(Follow these procedures on all types of fasts except the absolute fast.)
Do not take excessively hot baths during a prolonged fast; for this may cause
dizziness. However, take a bath regularly during your fast because fasting
causes many impurities to be secreted through the pores of your skin thus
causing an odor.
Do not engage in excessive work or exercise.
Walk, read, pray, and worship during mealtimes to overcome temptations.
Some Symptoms You May Experience
1. Headache
2. Nausea
3. Low fever
4. Sleeplessness
5. Stomach pains
If you have any of these symptoms do not take medication for them.
Three phases of a prolonged fast:
Phase 1 Craving food
Phase 2 Feeling weak and faint for 2-3 days or even longer.
Phase 3 Growing stronger and no longer having concern about food.
Breaking the fast
Breaking the fast is the most difficult period after the fast; it requires
discipline and self-control. If you fast for 40 days, then you should allow your
body an adequate period of time to recover so you will be able to resume your
regular diet.
Start with some vegetable and fruit juices a little at a time and maybe a cup of
watered-down soup. The following day, start to drink juices and increase the
thickness of the soup. Continue to do this until you gradually begin to build
yourself back up.
Final Thought
If our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ could fast for 40 days and 40 nights while
in human form, couldn't we do the same?
This article was
co-written by David Holt
Boshart, Jr. and Tonya Smiley
All applicable copyright © laws apply and are reserved by the Christ-Centered
Mall.
