Fasting draws the hand of God, it portrays a heart of reliance, without him, we cannot do anything. It is a tool that is used to nudge or prompt God for his intervention in granting us what we desire, such as: spiritual growth, victory, success, promotion etc.
Many Christians deny themselves just food when it comes to fasting but there are many other things that are precious to us that we can deny ourselves of : it could be sex between husband and wife, watching television, social media etc., things you cannot do without normally and tends to be sacrificial. Sacrifice means to give up something valued for the sake of other considerations.
The main focus of Fasting is a fixation on God and continuous communication with him when seeking his face. If we fast and do not spend time with him, we are just on a hunger strike. The communication channel needs to be open and there needs to be an expectation of receiving from God whilst we put ourselves under subjection. (1Cor 9:27)
There has always been a focus on what the length of time of a Fast should be and whether you are allowed to take fluids? This can be a distraction. Some people observe 6am to 6pm, 6am to 12pm, 6am to 3pm, 24 hours fasting etc. , some people take fluids whilst fasting some don’t. This article is not about do’s and don’ts, the most important thing is to take appropriate steps that will make your Fast acceptable on to God, so as to receive what you are asking God for. Isaiah 58 says a lot about what fasting should be about.
Fasting is essential in a Christian life, please find below some benefits of fasting:
- Fasting draws the hand of God.
- The communication channel between you and God opens.
- It leads to spiritual growth.
- You become sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit.
- Fasting cleanses your system.
- It is a reminder of where you come from and who you belong to.
- Fasting sharpens your spiritual senses.
- It brings you closer to God.
- It enables you to receive power from God.
- You will become a disciplined person.
- It shows a heart of submission.
There are some steps that you need to observe when you fast:
- Develop the Spirit of acceptance – Accept all what the Holy Spirit is telling you because: “All Scripture is inspired by God and it is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”(2Timothy 3:16.)
- Be watchful, the enemy will make sure you do not fast. Be strategic spiritually in whatever you do during a fast, the enemy will want to hinder you.
- Make sure you pray and read the Word of God during your fast, these actions is the sphere where you will receive from God. This is the main receiving point leading to vivid dreams, prophecies, visions, word of knowledge etc.
- Do not fight or quarrel with anyone whilst fasting, it is a main source of distraction, this hinders the Holy Spirit.
- You cannot use fasting to manipulate or change God’s will in your life.
- Husband and wives, if either of you need to go on a fast, let your spouse know well ahead of time due to spending time with one another i.e. sex. If there is no agreement between you two, do not bother fasting, make sure you resolve the issue first.
- Fast wisely, consider your health, work schedule, your routine etc.
- Do not fast just for the fun of it, this means working in the flesh and being religious. There must be a spiritual motive why you are fasting.
- Do not judge anyone when you fast, concentrate on your own issues. God knows our weaknesses and looks at the heart.
- Every step God is asking you to take, take it, this leads to a successful life.
Thank you very encouraging ,this article highlights very important aspects of the true Christain living’ and serves as a guide too .
Well said. May the Holy Spirit help us in this area of sacrifice. It will bring great victory in our lives. Amen.
Thank you for this word shared for enhancement of the reader’s knowledge and encouragement. The subject/topic is appropriate and on point, and it is also perfectly timed. Fasting has regrettably become relic, old fashion, cast aside and abandoned shockingly by a large population of Christian Believers, especially in the western society (tagged developed countries). This I see as the devil’s deception and tactic in his effort to steal, destroy and kill. Fasting was a lifestyle of Jesus and the early triumphant Christians, and it ought to be even more so now and urgently too on this generation, as we are already far travelled within the end time space and ever so closer to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that many, especially believers will read this Holy Sirit inspired article and be touched by it and receive Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the significance of fasting. Furthermore that the eyes of the readers understanding may consequently be enlightened. Lastly, that the secret of God that has graciously been brought to light by this article will be profitable to many readers, even as they heed the advice herein given and start to emulate Jesus Christ in their seeking of
God’s face through self sacrifice practice of fasting. Amen
Thank you so much for taking time to write articles such as this. They are useful tools that I share with people, some of whom are new in the Lord and it encourages them to take more steps towards living a Christ filled life. Every blessing x
Practicing what you preach is key to effective ministry, thank you for sharing your life and thought on the subject of fasting, it is a great reminder. I was planning of writing a piece on prayer and fasting for all Petra church family as we embark on our month of fasting in January 2020 but this will be sufficient for that purpose, I need your permission to print out this article and distribute to all members in two weeks time.
God bless you and continue to be a blessing.
This is very encouraging and I pray the Lord gives us the will and strength. Serving him to the fullest should be each Christian’s goal. Thanks for sharing.
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