Are You Confused About Fasting? Here Is The Clarity You Seek

MOREOVER WHEN YE FAST…

What do you think about Fasting? When was the last time you did a personal fast except the general one called out in church? You don’t have to feel guilty because it could be that you think you have no reason whatsoever to fast. Well, that isn’t true.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting can be likened to a spiritual discipline where you voluntarily reduce or completely eliminate the intake of food and distractions for a specific time and purpose. It all depends on how strengthened you are and how long your health permits. Matthew 6:16-18 — “16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (KJV) 

When Should You Fast?

  • You can fast during a crisis,
  • You can fast when God’s protection and deliverance are needed,
  • You can fast for repentance of sin and renewal of heart,
  • You can fast to open doors,
  • You can fast if you desire a better consciousness of God,
  • You can fast to humble yourself in worship.
HERE ARE WHAT I DISCOVERED ABOUT FASTING
  • It portrays your desire and Sacrifice:
    If you’ve been desiring God’s presence, power, the fruit of the Spirit or anything, yet it doesn’t seem to be coming after spending time at the place of prayer. Once fasting is added, it proves to God that you’re willing to go to any length and sacrifice anything just to get what you seek. And I pray that God will Honour your sacrifice in Jesus Name, Amen
  • It gives more time for prayer:
    I often say that a fast without prayer is called a “hunger strike.” Hence, those times that could have been spent on eating, seeing movies and all other activities you’ve chosen to abstain from at that period should be spent praying. Acts of the Apostles 13:2-3 — “2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (KJV)
  • It helps us to reflect on the way we treat people around us:
    Isaiah 58:6 
    — “6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (KJV). Because when we fast we are able to see ourselves better in the Light of God, we perceive ourselves through the Spirit and so we see our shortcomings better.
  • It aids fast blessings:
    See Exodus 34:28 — “28 And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.” (KJV). When whatever you seem to have been praying for doesn’t come and it looks like all gates has been shut up against you and prayer seems not to be opening them up, you should try fasting.
  • Flesh Subdued:
    See Matthew 26:41 — “41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (KJV). When you fast, your flesh is weak while your inner man is strengthened, so you won’t have the energy to do any worldly things. Have you ever noticed how you don’t even have the strength to fight or insult during fasting? That’s the way it helps you from falling into temptation.
  • It aids decision making:
    Whenever you feel indecisive about something or you need clarity, You can give fasting a try. You’ll be guided on what to do.
  • It brings revelation and encounters:
    When Daniel needed revelation (Daniel 9: 3, 20 — “3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:…21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.” (KJV)), He took to fasting and He got what he needed. So when you need an answer to your purpose on earth, what next to do in life, etc Praying alone might not get you what you need.

Examples of those who fast in the Scripture

  • Moses to receive the ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28)
  • Daniel for guidance (Daniel 9:3, 21-22)
  • Nehemiah before embarking on a project (Nehemiah 1:4)
  • Esther to save her people. (Esther 4:15-16)
  • The Israelites for Victory (2 Chronicles 20:2-3)
CONCLUSION

You can’t use God, so do not fast alone when you want to get earthly blessings from Him. However, before fasting, ensure that you have a purpose in mind. It is this purpose that’ll guide you on what to ask in prayer. Also, your fasting should be led by the Spirit or when you feel at peace doing it. Fasting is scriptural.

I hope you’ve seen why you need to have a personal fast probably once a twice a month.

What other reasons do you fast for? Answer in the comments below.

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