#77 “Understanding the Role of Fasting”

(What is fasting?) Pt1

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To lose the bands of wickedness,

to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free

 and that ye break every yoke?”

[Isaiah 58:6]

King James Version (KJV)

So what exactly is fasting? For many Christians this is something they have never done in their entire Christian walk. It would seem that only certain denomination practices fasting and it would seem many who do simply don’t understand the true meaning for fasting.

So why do we fast and what does it accomplish? Should all believers fast or is this something that only pastors, evangelist and prophets must do. Let’s take a look at what the book of Isaiah 58:3-4 says, “Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.” Many times believers start a fast because they think it will move God or make Him listen to their petitions quicker. However this thinking could not be further from the truth. If anything fasting helps to humble our own flesh, to bring it under subjection in order that we can truly seek the face of God with little or no distractions.  

 

Many patriots of the bible fasted and saw amazing results from their fasting. I can remember thinking how I would love to be like Paul and Peter whose very shadow passing over someone healed them or Elisha whose bones, long after he was dead, still had enough power to raise a man from the dead.  Or what about John on the isle of Patmos who after fasting was give heavenly revelations. We may all look at these great men and desire what they had but are we willing to do what they did to get it? Today most Christians don’t know anything about fasting and many of us would have a hard time doing it. There was a time when fasting was considered very important for the early church believers but not so today. Most churches don’t even teach on fasting and this really will have an effect on the church of tomorrow; because, these young Christians want have a clue about what fasting is. Why because they are watching us and learning from us the older believers—if we don’t teach them how will they know the biblical significance of fasting?

Dr. Myles Munroe says it this way, “A fast is a conscious, intentional decision to abstain for a time form the pleasure of eating in order to gain vital spiritual benefits.” Today there are many versions of fasting some may obtain for some form of pleasure likes watching TV or Movies, or only eating fruits and vegetables. Some may chose to do a liquid fast and drink only liquids like fruit juice, water and broth. Whichever you chose doesn’t matter as much as your choice to fast, to set aside something of pleasure for a while in order to draw closer to God. I believe Isaiah 58:5-7 gives a clear picture of why we should fast.  “Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the fast that I choose: to lose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” God has a specific plan and purpose for fasting; needless to say it is nothing like what we think it is. 

 

Fasting is a natural part of being a Christian walk of life just like praying if a natural part of our life. This is why the book of Matthew 6:5-6 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites” but we are also admonished that, “And when you fast, don't make it obvious…” In the next few lesson we will cover this topic in more detail, so be sure to check beck tomorrow and the rest of this week.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we start this teaching of on fasting open the eyes of our understanding to full comprehend your intent and purpose for fasting. Thank You for empowering set aside our own personal desires long enough fulfill your purpose for the church during this ends times in Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace! 

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