Our Global Missions team is talking about adding FASTING to our prayer regimen. With that on my mind, I searched for comments on FASTING from our global online tribe and found this: Fasting is mysterious to me and I feel guilty when my Christian friends talk about it. Thoughts?
FASTING IS HOW WE. . .
Turn off the world’s messaging machine and train our gaze on God.
Commit to God by denying ourselves something of the flesh to glorify him.
Focus intensely on God and deepen our prayer life (Luke 5:33).
The Bible clearly tells believers to fast in Matthew 6:16 when Jesus says to his disciples: “WHEN you fast…” He does not say “IF you fast.”
On to the “FOOD ONLY” kiosk.
It’s true that we have connected abstaining from food to fasting’s hip. But that is clearly not a Biblical rule. Anything we deny ourselves to focus on God is a fast. The Apostle Paul advised married couples to fast from sex for a limited time to pray (1 Corinthians 7:5). “for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer.” (1 Corinthians 7:5).
We can also fast from television; social media; or anything we enjoy. But no matter what we fast from, it cannot be a transactional exercise to be seen by others.
Fasting from food is not necessarily for everyone. With my post-concussive syndrome and the medications I take, fasting from food is actually dangerous for me. Remember, fasting is not intended to punish our flesh. It is to FOCUS ON GOD.
Fasting must come from the right motivation—to repent; fight off Satan; renew faith; show love for God. It is not a diet.
I ask God to help me discern how he would have me fast and what I should be fasting over.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What do you need to FAST about?
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:16
