When Ye Fast…
(I preface the following by saying, there are different types of fasting and each should be approached with wisdom and care. This may include speaking to your doctor before beginning a fast. It should include research from trusted sources.)
This week, my Old Testament reading had me in Ezra and Nehemiah – both of whom practiced times of fasting.
I am thankful for a pastor who teaches and encourages Biblical fasting. It is not a subject that is widely taught yet Scripture portrays it as an expected practice among believers.
“Moreover WHEN ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, WHEN thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”Matthew 6:16-18 KJV
Notice the wording, “when ye fast”, not “if ye fast”.
How often have we made statements such as,
“The God of _______(Bible character) is still the same God today! He is still a God of miracles! What He did for _____, He can do for ME!”
Yet, we fail to remember that many of these same “Bible heroes” practiced times of fasting. In addition to the two already mentioned:
Moses fasted; David fasted; Elijah fasted; Esther fasted; Daniel fasted; Anna fasted; Paul fasted; Jesus fasted; and others.
Jonathan Edwards fasted for 3 days prior to delivering “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God” which began the First Great Awakening.
George Mueller practiced fasting on a regular basis.
George Washington wrote in his diary on June 1, 1774: “Went to church, fasted all day.”
John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, on July 12, 1775:
“We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessing; His smiles on American Council and arms.”
Fasting is not the idea of refraining from eating until God gives us what we want. (Think of a child holding their breath until they get their way.) That is stubbornness which is rooted in pride. And God hates pride.
Fasting is meant to humble us and, very often, it is a time for God to show us areas in which WE need to make changes in our OWN lives.
Fasting can also be a time where our hearts and minds are decluttered, the “spiritual fog” we have been experiencing is lifted, and our hunger for God’s Word becomes vibrant once again.
Fasting can:
🔹Give clear direction in a troubling matter.
🔹Reveal the source of the problem in a difficult situation.
🔹Bring to light problems of which we were not aware.
🔹Bring victory in spiritual warfare.
🔹Result in Divine intervention.
🔹Give needed holy boldness.
🔹Soften hearts and mend relationships.
🔹Magnify specific promises from God’s Word. (And, although it may be awhile before we see those promises fulfilled, they will be fulfilled. God ALWAYS keeps His promises.)
The above are some examples of what the Lord has allowed me to personally experience during or after seasons of fasting – to God be all the glory. I share them in hopes of encouraging others in this area. God truly sees the one who, in dire need, is serious enough to deny the flesh in order to receive help from above. Very often, the question is – do we see our need?
“And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29 KJV
“Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.” ~ John Wesley
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” Ezra 8:21 KJV
