Fasting! ..a spiritual perspective

Bible Text: Matthew 6:16-18    “And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, so that others cannot know that you are fasting only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.”

Memory Verse: Joel 2:12 “But even now,” says the LORD, “repent sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Fasting is a word used when there is abstinence from food, a decision to intentionally not to eat either for medical or spiritual reasons. Scientifically, fasting has a whole lot of benefits likewise spiritually and today, our focus will be on spiritual fasting.

Fasting is one if the spiritual exercises Christians engage in from time to time. It’s a time when we restrict ourselves from food and other common way of life to depend and seek God for strength.  Fasting can be personal and likewise corporate, where people wait on God together on various occasions.

When you fast, you are telling yourself you are not subjected to the physical and don’t have to do everything your body requires of you; an act of demonstrating control over your everyday activities and secluding yourself for a one to one with God. It’s a time of seeking God’s face hence it’s important to understand how to fast effectively so that we don’t find ourselves simply starving and assuming we are fasting for spiritual edification.

What makes spiritual fasting different is that you are communicating with God during that period, more than you would do on an everyday basis. When Queen Esther was approached by her Mordecai with the news of how Haman plotted to kill all Jews, Queen Esther organized an absolute fast and prayer before approaching the king for a reversal of that decree which was passed, Esther 4:16. Read Esther chapter 5-7.

Whichever fasting is being completed either the Normal fast which involves abstinence from food only but not water, Matthew 4:7, or the Partial fast which involves limited types of food consumption, Daniel 1:12-17, or the Absolute fast which involves total abstinence  from food and water, Esther 4:16. it is important to understand that you are doing it to humble yourself before God so we can better hear His voice, for instruction, direction, blessings and more.

Likewise, it is important to know fasting will not automatically twist God’s hands to do things for us, but as a result of our fasting, we are able to worship Him, depend on Him, seek His face concerning challenges or situations facing us and possibly unlock close doors and blessings. God is the decider of the results which precedes spiritual fasting, and He is forever faithful.  

Fasting is not about public display of waiting on God, it’s not about looking like a sufferer because of the weakness experience that comes with it, it is something which should be sacred between yourself and God. So therefore Jesus tells us there is no reward in a show off kind of fast. It’s personal and private between you and God so do all to be yourself while fasting and God who sees will reward your waiting on Him. Watch the video below, it contains tips on how to stay fresh and strengthened while waiting on God.

Remember fasting is only effective when combined with prayers.

PRAYERS:

• Father I thank You for a wonderful day
• I receive strenght to wait upon you through fasting and praying in this year 2020 in Jesus Name
• Help me to pray, praise, worship and set myself apart for you alone when fasting in Jesus Name.
• Forgive my iniquities Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
• Thank you Father and in Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.

I’m reading the YouVersion plan ‘Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel’. Check it out by clicking on the caption below the fasting Tips VIDEO