#78 “Understanding the Role of Fasting”

(Reason’s for fasting?) Pt2

 

“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)

Have you ever gotten so involved with a project that by the end of the day, you realized that you had not eaten?  There have been a time or two that I said, “hum the Lord must have wanted me to fast today!” unfortunately this would not count as a Godly fast, even though you did fast, “abstaining for eating food or substance for a period of time.” Did you know that when you go to sleep at night you’re actually starting a fast?  That correct, that’s why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why? Because you are actually “breaking a fast” this is why it is called “breakfast.” There are medical fasts, which the doctor will place you on the night prior to testing or surgery.  However we are not referring to these types of fast because they are one involuntary and the other mandated. We are talking about the kind of fast you choice to embark upon because you long for a deeper walk with God. 

The word “fast” actually means, “To cover up the mouth” or “to go refrain from eating.” Both of these definitions imply that one has made a conscious decision to stop eating food for a period of time. Because eating can often be considered pleasurable you would be deciding to forgo the pleasure of eating for a while. This is to allow you to draw closer to God in order to receive deeper revelation, better spiritual insight. With that said, the first reason we would fast is to inquire of God, or to seek His face. This is a time when your desire for God is far greater than your desire for earthly pleasures even food itself.  King David was an amazing psalmist who said, “My God, you are my God, and I shall wait for you; my soul is thirsty for you, and my flesh looks for you like a thirsty and troubled land that seeks water.”

David longed for God’s presence and sought for it, I love how he compares his longing for God to a deep unquenchable thirst. This is what I meant by desiring God so until you’re will to give any and all earthly pleasures just to have more of Him.  Lord God, “My Soul Thirst for you like a dry and thirsty land.”  What did Isaiah say, “ALL you that thirst, come to the waters: and you that have no money make haste, buy, and eat: come ye, buy wine and milk without money, and without any price. (Isaiah 55:1) The book Mathews says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Sometimes this longing for more of God comes because we’ve been through something which has drained the strength from us and other times it because God Himself is beckoning us to come up higher.

The second reason for fasting is the need to make God number one put Him first; clearing always all the hindrances and being able to focus on Him alone. When we do this it expresses our love and desire for the Father’s presence. There is no more intimate time before the Lord than when you are setting aside everything and everyone to spend time with Him alone. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” (Jeremiah 29:13) Father God, I long to be with you more than me necessary food or substance more than my friends, family even my significant other or spouse.  Fasting helps us to separate ourselves from all the things that can distract us and break our focus.  If you are not use to fasting it may be quite challenging at first but don’t give up, remember that your reward is exclusive time alone with God it will be well worth it. 

 

Then the last reason we will cover today will be “fasting sets the atmosphere for prayer” this is why most of the time when the word prayer in mention in the word of God fasting is somewhere close by. It’s because they go hand and hand, how can you spend all this time before God fasting and not pray?  After all what is prayer anyway but “talking or communicating with God?” remember when God told Moses to prepare the children of Israel to come before Him at Mount Sinai? What did He tell him to have the people do? “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Fasting helps to consecrate us and prepare us for the presence of God. Many times when the children of Israel did not know what to do when facing an enemy they would fast and pray to hear for God instruction for the battle. So then fasting can be a tool use for deliverance when needed in certain situations.  Fasting helps set the atmosphere making it conducive for God to move during our pray time. Fasting also helping us to experience the manifestation of God’s plan and purpose according to His Word.

 

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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