If there is a Christian practice, that initially sounds the least appealing to participate in, it would be fasting. Not eating for a set period of time, as a way to draw closer to God, seems like something monks do in some monastery in the Tibetan mountains. Yet we see Jesus expect that we, His followers, will use this practice of fasting (Matthew 6:16, 9:15). Also, we see many occasions where God’s people fasted, all throughout the Bible. So what good does denying ourselves food really accomplish?
The Bible says that those of us who are believers are at war with our own flesh. We have desires that though our bodies want to indulge, we know are wrong. When we give into our flesh, we end up saying things in pride, or cheating, or gossiping, or lusting, and in the end when we face the consequences, we have regret. Though our culture encounters this war of discipline on a physical level, like exercising and dieting, it endorses and even aims to indulge the flesh, while trying to sweep the consequences under the rug. God has given us the powerful tool of fasting, to help war against the flesh, and draw closer to the heart of God. Fasting then in turn, makes our prayers more pure, our battle against sin and its consequences more victorious, and our sense of God’s direction more acute.
I would love to hear your thoughts on fasting. Have you ever participated in this ancient practice? What was your experience? What is the thing that makes it the most difficult? When are times that you have felt compelled to fast?
6 comments:
fasting was very interesting from waht I understand. it is a tool for us to use when are flesh is carring sin that is causing are prayers to god unanswered and are walk with god is not right. and fasting will clean us from the sin that we are having because of sin and then we will be able to see god more cleary when we pray and understand his desires for us
A seasoned procrastinator, I chose to fast today so it wouldn't loom over me as a "should do" that I never get to. My practice wasn't without flaw. I snapped at my kids a few times largely due to the crankiness not eating ushered in. On the other hand, for the first time in my life I fasted for 24 hours by relying on Christ's strength. And at the times it was hardest I shared with God my desire to come closer to him. Please share your experiences/hints. God bless.
lladdious, I'm excited for you that God gave you the strength to jump into this discipline. Like anything, fasting takes practice. But most of us, fast so seldom that we don't have much of a chance to grow in this extremely powerful practice. You also bring up a great point, we should lean on God's strength when we do this! One thing that has helped me as I fast, is to remember that just because I don't see how He is using it in my life, doesn't mean that it was wasted time. Sometimes, a fast seems like just a day that I struggled not to eat. Sometimes it feels densely spiritual. Either way, there is no doubt that God is using it to transform our lives.
I know something that has tripped me up is I have gotten caught up focusing on the not eating part and forget about spending extra time praying, reading His word, being extra introspective. When we fast we should take advantage of the vulnerable state we are in, and spend extra time in prayer, asking God to give us His perspective on the specific things we are fasting about.
One other tip, for those of you who are caffeine addicts, and you are planning on fasting both caffeine and food, start weaning yourself off caffeine a few days early.
lladdious, anything that you think you will do differently next time?
Mjshockey, it sounds like you are on the right track. Fasting is about submitting to God, and not about control. Fasting reveals our sinful perspectives and motivations which, once we deal with those, brings us closer to the things that are on God's heart. That makes our prayers more powerful.
I took the time to fast and what I got from it was that I have been carring around the sin of anger that has caused me to turn my back againist god and run from all the good things that I have. the sin of anger is because of a relationship that I had it turned to be unhealthy due to my attitude of disobedience and lack of respect and it caused me to live a life of sin. a healthy relationship is one where the person can trust you when your obedient respecful but when you cross those boundries of trust and lack obedience and respect is becomes unhealthy and you are faced with consequences just like are relationship with god if we have a healthy relationship that is obedient to him in are prayer worship and are service to him he gives us more but when it starts to become unhealthy to the point that are living a life of sin we have crossed his boundries and start to face consequences. that is what god showed me through spending a day with him.
One of the best disciplines of fasting in my life was to practice the self denial during the 40 days of lent. During that time it has been my custom, as many, to give up something I want; not just food. It had to be something hard to do without, like TV; I would also fast foods during certain days of lent. As lent intends I read scriptures that help me to be introspective and meditate on my wickedness and God's goodness. It is during these times I find I am so depended on his grace and mercy.
During my earlier life I use to fast for long periods of time and found breaking the fast to be harder than the fast itself due to a feeling of guilt in breaking the fast. However I cherish those times because I believe God made my ears more receptive to his voice.
It is my suggestion that anyone wanting to fast read Isaiah 58, this chapter puts fasting in the right frame work. Our hearts, motives, and action must be in the right place for the fast to be acceptable to God.
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