Why Fast?
Fasting is a Spiritual means of Grace that that is first recorded in the book of Exodus. It has been used as a means to, in short, get the attention of the Father and make something happen. Deliverance, healing, His presence, His wisdom and guidance, and more. Fasting however, has been seen as a religious act that brings inconvenience and suffering. But perhaps that is because we are at time fasting as the Israelites did in the time of Isaiah.
“Isaiah 58:3–7:
“Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take
no knowledge of it?”
This sort of selfish fasting just to show off or not being intentional within the fast is and has always been worthless to the Father. So let’s talk about doing it correctly.
Definition of Fast:
Responding to God's call to set aside the ever self-serving "Me" for a time from something that:
Why Fast:
Do you love God more than your needs, desires, and entitlements? Currently, the world elevates self above all. However,
Fasting is us sacrificing our human desires and needs to make space for the Father, declaring - “You are more than enough and all that I need.” It is exercising control over the temporary to make space for the eternal.
How to Fast:
Start your fast with prayer. Throughout your time of fasting have check point or “times slots” with God planned out. Remember this requires intentionality. If we are doing on the fly then one can feel miserable or like they are wasting time. Fasting is not a time a suffering when it is being done correctly.
During the Fast:
Instant regret, fear, and anxiety, can take over. Just note that you are denying your body something that it has had on demand 24/7. Especially being in a culture where having everything now is the norm. Fasting can often be a mirror that reveals the dependencies, addictions, and worldly attachments that have become a part of us, disrupting our connection and time with the Father.
Allow God to fill those areas! Verbally acknowledge your dependencies and humble yourself. Then commit to pray, reading of your Word, worship, a walk with Christ, or even sitting quietly with Him.
“Isaiah 58:3–7:
“Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take
no knowledge of it?”
This sort of selfish fasting just to show off or not being intentional within the fast is and has always been worthless to the Father. So let’s talk about doing it correctly.
Definition of Fast:
Responding to God's call to set aside the ever self-serving "Me" for a time from something that:
- I know I need
- I have been convinced I need
- I have been convinced that I am entitled to have
Why Fast:
Do you love God more than your needs, desires, and entitlements? Currently, the world elevates self above all. However,
Fasting is us sacrificing our human desires and needs to make space for the Father, declaring - “You are more than enough and all that I need.” It is exercising control over the temporary to make space for the eternal.
How to Fast:
Start your fast with prayer. Throughout your time of fasting have check point or “times slots” with God planned out. Remember this requires intentionality. If we are doing on the fly then one can feel miserable or like they are wasting time. Fasting is not a time a suffering when it is being done correctly.
During the Fast:
Instant regret, fear, and anxiety, can take over. Just note that you are denying your body something that it has had on demand 24/7. Especially being in a culture where having everything now is the norm. Fasting can often be a mirror that reveals the dependencies, addictions, and worldly attachments that have become a part of us, disrupting our connection and time with the Father.
Allow God to fill those areas! Verbally acknowledge your dependencies and humble yourself. Then commit to pray, reading of your Word, worship, a walk with Christ, or even sitting quietly with Him.
Posted in The Power of Fasting
4 Comments
Thank you ? for explaining more what it means to fast
What a great reminder. Sometimes we fall into that hole of “I want to fast because I need God to give this and that” yet we forget to do it because we love him and always grateful for salvation.
Great explanation on fasting! Excited for what God will do during this time with RTLA
Love the explanation on fasting!