” Fasting: How to Fast Biblically” is based on the fact that fasting is a basic discipline of Christian faith and living. But do you have a solid idea of how to fast biblically?
This is because fasting biblically is both powerful and very beneficial. Not only does fasting connect you to God, but it also impacts you in many other unique ways.
Fasting: How to Fast Biblically
In order for you to fast biblically, Isaiah 58:1-12 is the perfect starting point. This is because this text deals with the theme of fasting, which was an important observance for the post-exilic community (Zechariah 7-8 and Isaiah 58:3). All in all, this text is a guideline on how to fast.
How to fast
Therefore, abstaining from food is of no value if it does not benefit those in need of food. That is, fasting should help alleviate social injustice. And the time that would have been spent on eating food, is spent seeking God.
When fasting is practiced biblically, you will get God’s audience and make a difference (verses 1-5 and 11-12). Meaning that what appears little to you, is what God will take note of and it will be effective (verses 6-8).
Fast for a reason
In the Old Testament, fasting lasted from sunrise to sunset. And being a religious activity, it is to be undertaken for a variety of reasons.
Therefore, fasting can be undertaken to:
- Prepare for ministry
- Humble yourself before God
- Seek for promotion
- Express grief
- Repent
- Seek wisdom
- Obtain deliverance
- Prevent a tragedy
Fast regularly
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus used the words “when you fast” to imply that fasting is a regular discipline. In fact, the Jews were commanded to fast (corporately) once a year (Leviticus 16:29-31). But they were permitted to fast personally any other time.
Don’t tell everybody
Unfortunately, fasting became a contest among the Jews to gain God’s attention. That’s why they complained that He wasn’t “seeing” or “noticing” their observance.
Thus, in Matthew 6:16, Jesus told His disciples “not to disfigure their faces to be seen by others”. This is because fasting is a personal, not a public observance.
It is not a way of getting something from God
Remember, the Jews fasted to get God’s attention. But fasting is the means to a spiritual breakthrough.
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul states that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”. Meaning that fasting biblically will give you a splendid chance to experience a breakthrough (like Esther).
Have a clear plan
Fasting is for a duration. Therefore, a plan featuring prayer (points) will be very advantageous.
