What is fasting?
Definition: Abstaining from food and drink for
spiritual purposes. There is nothing like dry or wet fasting but fasting. Some
quote Daniel’s abstinence from the King’s table and eating of pulse (please read
Daniel 1) and his mourning in Dan. 10:1-3 for three weeks, where he did not eat
any choice foods as a form of fasting, but the purpose was not for fasting but
mourning. (see also Esther 4:3, 2Sam. 1:12).
Why or what are the advantages of
fasting?
·
Brings
the Lord’s comfort and us closer to God. (Matt. 9:14-15)
·
Solves
our greater needs (Esther/ Mordecai and Haman’s plan to exterminate the Jews-Esther
4:3)
·
Enables
us resist the Devil and to be humbled. (Matt. 4:1-4)
·
Gives
us confidence to do the will of God.
·
Enables
us overcome the desires of the flesh for spiritual strength. In other words,
fasting is one of the best nutritious foods for spirit.
·
Greater
healing and faith in God. (Matt. 17:15-21)
·
Physically
cleanses our body of toxins.
What are the suggested steps to Fasting?
Step 1: Why are you fasting?
Have a theme for the
fasting. Be motivated by a burden. Eg. Spiritual renewal, healing,
intercessory, resolution of problems, grace to handle difficult situations, etc.
(2chron. 7:14)
Step
2: Make your commitment.
Decide on duration, plan (eg. what to avoid,
etc)
Step 3: Prepare yourself spiritually
Unconfessed sin will hinder your fast.
Therefore seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Step 4: Prepare yourself physically
Eg. eating habits to be reduced, fruit
eating, don’t rush (optional)
Step 5: Put yourself on schedule
·
Apportion time to
get maximum spiritual fulfillment i.e spend more time with God.
·
Start with praise
and worship
·
Read Word of God
and meditate on word (if possible related to your theme)
·
Invite Holy
Spirit
·
Present requests,
intercessions, etc (like the woman who wanted justice from the Judge). Use the
word of God in requests.
Step 6: End fast gradually
·
Break fast with
plenty liquid intake (initially water but avoid acids)
·
Then soft foods
·
Then regular
eating habits
Step 7: Expect Results
·
Faith should
continue
·
Once cannot do
all (optional)
NB
- It takes time to
build up your Fast character
- Avoid distractions. E.g.
TV, radio, unnecessary chatters, arguments, etc
- Present good facial
and bodily appearance (Matt. 6:16-18)
- Avoid Cheating
- Avoid injustice
- Do good when the
opportunity comes
- Abstaining from food
and drink (or fasting) without prayer and studying the word of God amounts
to starving oneself and not fasting.
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