True Fasting

 

    Fasting is when you abstain from certain types or all food and or drink during a set time of observance for God.  The purpose is for your relationship with God to grow.  It can be done corporately (with the whole church) or individually.  It is not about losing weight or getting something out a deal, but the health benefits are numerous.  As your body detoxes, so does your mind and spirit.

    When you decide to do a fast, don't hold back.  You are meant to pray, study, meditate, and serve during a fast.  In the hunger and fatigue, find your way to rejoice and be honest with yourself and God.  Seek God's strength, stamina, and guidance.  Be eager to spend one on one time with Him because He is eagerly waiting for you.  

    Observe God's commands.  Ask Him to guide you through a specific situation or decision.  Fasting is a humbling experience.  That is why you shouldn't advertise or complain.  It is about seeking God and ignoring your short term needs for a set period of time.  It is about focusing on you and Him.  

    When you are fasting rid yourself of injustice and oppression.  You may not be able to escape, but you can remove the power that it has over you.  That means ignoring, walking away, or avoiding quarrels, exploitations, and allowing the wicked to have a voice.  This would only taint the fast.  

    Use your hunger to open your eyes to the world around you.  Give your food to the hungry and homeless.  Give clothing to the poor and shelter to those with none.  It is meant to change your perspective of other people, not just yourself.  This is what God views as good.  It is surrendering everything to God and in return you may just find a break through in something or the beginning of healing.  Things that may have been destroyed may start to rebuild.

    God's glory is your rear guard.  You can focus on walking forward and be okay with being weak.  God is covering your rear.  All you have to do is call upon Him.  He is listening.  It means that you can be truly honest with yourself about who you are, your motives in life, and where your sin lies.  You have the opportunity to dig deep and search for hidden sins from yourself.  It is the only way to get the full benefits of a true fast: restoration.

    A biproduct of a fast is some of the changes that you may see in yourself.  Maybe you rid yourself of malicious talk or rumors.  You may find that you enjoy helping other people and giving them hope.  God will guide you in the changes that will take place in your life during and after a fast based on Him.  He will restore you and give you a new strength.  All you have to do is find delight and honor Him.  You will find joy in your eternity.

Isaiah 58