WHAT IS FASTING?
Biblical fasting is removing nourishment from the body or abstaining from food for spiritual reasons.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FASTING?
Fasting is biblical
Fasting subdues the flesh
Fasting separates you from the physical and connects you to the spiritual
Fasting is preparation for temptation
Fasting can restore your health
Fasting removes your passion for food and returns your passion for God
Fasting will bring breakthrough
FASTING IS NOT:
A hunger strike
Starvation
Magic or manipulation of God
WHAT DO WE FAST FOR?
We fast for spiritual breakthrough.
We fast to prepare for temptation, before entering ministry, & for spiritual warfare (read about Jesus’s fast).
We fast to remove addictions or idols.
We fast for physical health.
We fast to draw us closer to God.
We fast because Jesus teaches us to (obedience)
Jesus said in Matthew 9 14-15 that the disciples were not fasting because the bridegroom was with them but when the bridegroom (Jesus) is taken away they WILL fast.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO FAST:
(We all fast when we sleep, then we break-fast in the morning)
Full Fast/Liquid Fast (biblical fast) - Water only, maybe some electrolytes, lemon, coconut water, or a little bone broth when weak. 3-day, 7-day, 21-day, 40-day. Most scholars believe Jesus did this fast in Luke 4:2.
Partial Fast/Intermittent Fasting (good starter fast) - Cutting most nourishment throughout the day, allowing for some limited nourishment at planned times. Examples: One meal a day (sunup to sundown), 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 5 days on 2 days off, etc.
Selective Fast (can be difficult because it keeps your hunger hormones activated, but can be good for some people with medical concerns) - Removing certain elements from your diet. Example: the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meats, sweets, and bread from your diet.
Non-food Fast/Sacrifice or Consecration Fast (good option for people with medical concerns, certain eating disorders, pregnant, or youth) - Cutting back on unhealthy habits like sugar, carbs, tv, social media, etc.
Bottom line in choosing a fast: it’s not about works or being legalistic. Take it to the Lord and ask Him what he is calling you to. And remember, we do not fast so God will love us more; we fast to show God our love for Him. Note: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting is what is known as a Corporate Fast, which is a fast called by God through leaders and is different than a private fast. This fast is done in public. Samuel, Esther, Ezra, and the King of Nineveh all called for corporate fasts in the Bible. Churches often do these at the beginning of the year.
TIPS FOR SPIRITUAL FASTING:
Figure out why you are fasting (dieting should not be the focus, even if that is a healthy byproduct).
Get your heart right, this is not a hunger strike (this is not to move God closer to us but to move us closer to God).
Set attainable goals for your fast or where you feel the Lord is leading (the Lord’s leading will be the best, so ask Him).
Prepare mentally for withdrawals (this is not a sign the fast is bad, but a sign it is working by removing toxins from the body).
Prepare physically ahead of time by weaning yourself off instead of cold turkey: Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and overeating.
Prepare for spiritual warfare.
Stay well hydrated (water is best).
Replace eating with heavenly bread (the time you would normally eat or plan meals, give to God).
Enter fast slowly, and end fast slowly (the longer the fast, the longer the entry back to eating).
Give yourself grace if you fall off the wagon and just get back on.
Consider alternative ways to fast if you have medical conditions, are extremely thin, a youth, pregnant or nursing, elderly, recovered from an eating disorder, or have a career that is very physically/mentally demanding. Be smart and be led by the Spirit.