Fasting
has two important components. One is abstention from food or activities, which
eliminates distractions. The other is undivided attention on God, which allows
connection with Him on a deeper level. Fasting is the voluntary act of
abstaining from something for the purpose of growing in self-discipline, which
is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the
most common form of fasting is from food. This is because, as Paul says, for
some people their stomach is their god. By fasting from food, they are learning
to enjoy food as a gift from God without allowing it to become an idolatrous
functional god that controls them.
Daniel
was living under captivity in Babylon when he read God's promise to free the
Israelites after a certain period of time. He earnestly sought the Lord by
means of prayer and fasting (Dan. 9:2-3). Then through the angel Gabriel, God
gave the young man greater understanding of what He had previously pledged.
Scripture
has other examples as well. When King Jehoshaphat learned that a powerful army
was on the offensive, he called for all Judah to come together and fast (2
Chron. 20:1-4). God gave encouragement and strength for the future. Fasting was
also part of the early church's preparation for choosing its first
missionaries. The Holy Spirit directed the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul
for the work (Acts 13:2).
Please
note that fasting does not bring us a quicker answer from God or persuade Him
to follow our plan. Instead, it prepares us to see our situation through His
eyes and to act on what we learn. At times I have sought the Lord to get His
assessment of how I am doing. This discipline has helped me gain His
perspective on my life and work.
Fasting
involves a strong desire to hear from God, a period of time to connect with
Him, and a willingness to abstain from food or some activity. If the idea
intimidates you, remember its purpose is preparation so we might draw closer to
God and receive His encouragement and direction.
Jesus
Himself exemplified the discipline of fasting for us in His own earthly life.
One of the most well-known examples is Jesus’ forty days of fasting in Matthew
4:1–11. When Jesus spoke to His disciples about fasting, He said, “when you
fast,” as if it was simply expected to be done (Matthew 6:16–17). As an aside,
anyone wanting to practice an extended period of fasting would be wise to first
speak with their doctor about how to do so safely. Other Scriptures also
include reports of fasting. In Nehemiah 9:1, we are told that the entire nation
of Israel fasted. Esther 4:16 likewise records a national three-day fast. In
the New Testament, Acts 13:2 reports that a leadership decision regarding who
should be sent out from the church at Antioch to plant another church was made
after a period of seeking the Lord through fasting and worship. Acts 14:23
reveals that upon appointing new elders for some churches, Paul and Barnabas
commissioned the new pastors with prayer and fasting.
Peace be unto you
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