FASTING
If we are to learn the gift of fasting and enjoy its fruit, it is not the society that we should look to, but with Bibles open listen to God to whom we fast.
Then, the concern will not be whether we fast, but when. Jesus expects his followers will fast, and even promises it will happen. He doesn’t say “if,” but “when you fast” (Matthew 6:16) ” And he doesn’t say his followers might fast, but “they will” (Matthew 9:15).
Fasting is voluntarily abstinence from food or any other regularly enjoyed, gift from God — for spiritual purposes and growth.
Fasting sounds easy, but the devil conspire to introduce all sorts of complications (the world, our flesh) that keeps it from happening. This is because of the grace and spiritual growth obtained when fasting.
There are no formulated guidelines to fasting. And In view of helping you start down the slow path to fasting, here are four simple pieces of advice. The hope is that such basic counsel can serve those who are new at fasting or those feeling they’ve been doing it wrongly.
1. Begin small.
As beginners, start with one meal; maybe fast one meal a week for several weeks. Then try two meals, and work your way up to a daylong fast, the most important thing is your spiritual connection to your fasting
2. Spiritual state.
Fasting isn’t merely an act of self-deprivation, but a spiritual discipline for seeking more of God’s fullness. And we are encouraged to spend most of that time in the glory of God. Because fasting is a vulnerable state for believers as it’s the manner we present ourselves to God
3. Fast from something other than food.
Fasting from food is not necessarily for everyone. Some health conditions keep even the most devout from the traditional course. However, fasting is not limited to abstaining from food. As Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “Fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.”
4. Prayer and studying the word of God.
This, is in itself explanatory and it is part of the ways to guide our spiritual state