It is a new year and a lot of people will be thinking about whether they should fast or not! What is your take on fasting? Is there a certain time of the month or year that we should fast? How long should we fast? What things should we fast from? I think before we answer these questions, maybe we should define the meaning and understand the importance of fasting. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus expected of His disciples. According to the Bible, fasting means to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food for a specific time and purpose. In the Old Testament, we learn that Daniel fasted for 21 days because he had a passion for the Lord. (Daniel 10:12-13) "Fasting is intentionally denying the flesh in order to gain a response from the spirit." It is deliberate abstinence from fleshly wants and desires. It opens the door for God's supernatural to work in our natural. Why is fasting so important? Three main reasons of importance is that fasting is Biblical mandated, spiritual disciplines, and health benefits. Now there are other reasons for fasting, which includes intimacy with God, spiritual freedom, guidance, and waiting for Jesus to return. When combating tests and trials that seem insurmountable, combining fasting with prayers is foremost the wisest thing to do. Remember when Jesus told His disciples that the only way to drive out the demons was through fasting andd prayer. Some of you may be asking how on earth do you fast? Well, Jesus provides instructions on how we should fast in Matthew 6:16-18, “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Ha, look at that, fasting can come with a reward when done according to the Word of God. Now you might be thinking, when should I fast? Well, fasting can take place at any given time during your day or over the course of however many days you choose. Someone may choose to fast every Monday or at the beginning and end of the week. Maybe someone else chooses to fast once a month on the same day of each month. The time and length is of your choosing and consistency. Just as long as you do it! Don't just wait until the new year to fast! Be encouraged to add fasting as part of your spiritual growth process and prayer life. And reap the supernatural rewards of it!
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