Why
should I fast
People fast for different reasons. Sometimes
for legitimate purposes and other times are illegitimate reasons.
Fasting is for the purpose of gaining humility and discerning
a stronger sense of God's presence, power, voice, and leading.
Humility is gained as a person depends solely upon God for basic
life sustenance and fulfillment for the things that normally
sustains and fulfills you when not fasting and praying. It is
also a time that God uses to destroy wickedness, release people
from bondage, and increase an awareness of the needs of others
(Isa 58:6-10). Fasting and praying is not what Christians do
to manipulate or convince God to do something. It is not required
and will never force God's hand to do anything.
Fasting increases your dependence upon God
Fasting and praying is more for the person rather than God.
During a dedicated season of fasting and praying, a person realizes
he or she has a tremendous amount of ungodly dependence on things
and people rather than God. For some people, the first three
days are usually when a person discovers how much dependence
was placed on what you abstain from during the fast. When there
is more dependence upon a person, place, or thing, that is called
pride; which is the opposite of humility and breeds destruction.
As stated above, humility is totally depending upon God for
any and everything.
Three
types of fasts
There are three main forms of fasting that are found in the
bible. One form of fasting is abstaining from eating food. In
Luke 4:2, it says after being tempted by the devil for forty
days, Jesus did not eat anything and was hungry. He abstained
from food, but not water. Another form of fasting is abstaining
from eating food and drinking liquids. Exodus 34:28 says Moses
was with the Lord for forty days and he did not eat bread or
drink water. Then Acts 9:9 says, "While blind, Saul did
not eat nor drink anything for a period of three days."
The other form of fasting is a partial fast whereby you abstain
from certain foods and liquids. This is when some people will
only eat vegetables, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc., and will abstain
from meats, sugar and any other desirable foods (Daniel 1:8,
12, 10:1-3).
Fasting is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly
It is important to note that fasting is very effective when
led by God and done in unity. A congregation should be led by
the Pastor and there should be an agreement upon the conditions
of the fast as well as the topics of prayer. In the bible congregational
fasts are led by a Pastor or leader who gives specific instructions
on what to pray about. Unless directed by God, I believe it
is more important to agree on what you are praying about, rather
than what you are fasting from. Fasting is a serious issue and
should not be taken lightly or done without discussing the details
with a physician. Some people have medical issues that may prohibit
them from fasting; therefore, it is very important to seek medical
advice.
