by furaha nchimbi | 28 September 2019 08:46 pm09
Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, forever. Welcome! Let’s dive into the Word of God. Today, by His grace, we will explore the biblical principles behind fasting and how it should be practiced by Christians.
Fasting, in its essence, is not a method of manipulating God to hear our prayers or fulfill our desires. It is not about twisting God’s arm to get what we want. Fasting is a discipline that draws us closer to God, aligning our hearts with His will. The Bible teaches us that God already knows our needs before we even ask (Matthew 6:8, NIV), so fasting does not make God more likely to hear us. Rather, it helps us become more attuned to His voice and open to His will.
Matthew 6:8 (NIV)
“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
This is not to say that fasting is unnecessary. On the contrary, fasting increases the possibility of receiving answers to our prayers because it focuses our minds and spirits on God. It is like a student who chooses to study in a library rather than in a noisy environment. The quiet space provides better concentration and preparation, leading to better results. Similarly, fasting gives us the mental and spiritual space to hear God more clearly.
Fasting is a practice that deepens our relationship with God. The Bible is clear that when we fast, we humble ourselves before God (Psalm 35:13, NIV). It is a spiritual exercise that reminds us of our dependence on God, not just for physical sustenance but for every aspect of our lives.
Psalm 35:13 (NIV)
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,”
Fasting enables us to lay aside the desires of the flesh and make space for the desires of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in Galatians 5, where he contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23). Through fasting, we deny the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to work more freely in our lives.
Galatians 5:24-25 (NIV)
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about fasting not as a public display, but as a private act of devotion. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus encourages His followers to fast in secret, emphasizing that fasting should be between the individual and God, not for the praise of men.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Fasting is an intimate practice that enhances our personal connection with God. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2, NIV), setting the example for us. His fast was not for the purpose of convincing God to act, but rather to prepare Himself for His ministry.
Matthew 4:1-2 (NIV)
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
Fasting in the Old Testament was also a significant act of humility and repentance. In Isaiah 58, God speaks through the prophet about the true purpose of fasting. It’s not just about abstaining from food, but about living justly, caring for the poor, and seeking God’s righteousness. God desires that our fasting reflect a change in our hearts, not merely a ritualistic practice.
Isaiah 58:6-9 (NIV)
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”
This passage reminds us that fasting is not just about denying our bodies, but about aligning our lives with God’s heart for justice, mercy, and compassion. A fast that pleases God is one that leads to changed behavior showing love and care for the needy and oppressed.
In the early Church, fasting was a common practice among believers, often linked to prayer and seeking God’s guidance. In Acts 13:2-3, the church at Antioch fasted and prayed as they sought God’s direction for their mission. After fasting and praying, the Holy Spirit led them to set apart Paul and Barnabas for missionary work.
Acts 13:2-3 (NIV)
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
This shows how fasting and prayer worked together to guide the early Christians in fulfilling God’s mission. When we fast with the right heart, it can lead to deeper spiritual insight and clearer direction from God.
Fasting is not about twisting God’s arm to get what we want. It’s a means of seeking God’s will and drawing closer to Him. As Isaiah 58 points out, fasting aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and brings blessings: our light shines in the darkness, and we receive healing and righteousness. God promises that when we fast with pure motives, He will answer our prayers (Isaiah 58:8-9).
Isaiah 58:8-9 (NIV)
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”
Fasting brings spiritual renewal, humbles us before God, and helps us focus on His will. It is not about the physical act of hunger, but about drawing near to God, seeking His righteousness, and aligning our hearts with His.
Fasting is not just a Christian tradition, but a powerful tool for spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with God. Whether for one day, three days, or forty days, the length and nature of the fast are not as important as the sincerity of the heart. God promises that those who fast in truth and humility will receive rewards, and our prayers will be more powerful and effective (Matthew 6:18, James 5:16).
James 5:16 (NIV)
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Fasting, when done with a pure heart and in alignment with God’s will, can bring incredible spiritual benefits. It’s an opportunity to grow closer to God, hear His voice more clearly, and see His will accomplished in our live.
Be blessed!
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