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| To eat or not to eat...? |
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Thank you, FIG777, for inspiring this topic!
Fasting is the practice of abstinence from food and/or drink for some period of time. Sometimes it's required for medical reasons such as before a physical checkup or surgery. This topic in particular is about the kind of fasting done for spiritual reasons.
Fasting is the practice of abstinence from food and/or drink for some period of time. Sometimes it's required for medical reasons such as before a physical checkup or surgery. This topic in particular is about the kind of fasting done for spiritual reasons.
Some examples of fasting in the bible include Jesus Himself, who fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness and resisted the temptations of the devil (see Matthew 4). Queen Esther, who fasted with the Jews for three days and three nights before approaching the king without permission, risking her life to save her people (see Esther 4). David, who pleaded with God, fasted, and wore sackcloth to show his sorrow for his ill child after the wrong he committed against Uriah (see 2 Samuel 12). The Israelites also fasted and wore sackcloth as they confessed their sins (see Nehemiah 9). Daniel, who fasted by abstaining from meat, wine, and delicacies (choice food) for three weeks (see Daniel 10).
Fasting was/is not intended as a means to be seen as holy or righteous or to "earn" divine favor, but rather as an act of humility before God, to break away from bondage, express one's repentance, or awaken one's "spiritual hunger"—redirect our focus to God and desire what is Spirit-filled.
Fasting might not be for everyone though; it's also important to take great care and consideration for our bodies, which are different from one another and may or may not endure such trials with varying consequence to our physical health (especially when it comes to water, which our bodies cannot go for more than three to four days without).
Fasting was/is not intended as a means to be seen as holy or righteous or to "earn" divine favor, but rather as an act of humility before God, to break away from bondage, express one's repentance, or awaken one's "spiritual hunger"—redirect our focus to God and desire what is Spirit-filled.
Fasting might not be for everyone though; it's also important to take great care and consideration for our bodies, which are different from one another and may or may not endure such trials with varying consequence to our physical health (especially when it comes to water, which our bodies cannot go for more than three to four days without).
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Is fasting still relevant in today's world?
Have you ever fasted before? If so, for what reason? (Feel free to share your experiences.)
How does fasting help draw you closer to God?
If you haven't fasted before, would you consider trying it?
Is fasting still relevant in today's world?
Have you ever fasted before? If so, for what reason? (Feel free to share your experiences.)
How does fasting help draw you closer to God?
If you haven't fasted before, would you consider trying it?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding fasting. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding fasting. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to FIG777 for inspiring me to write about this topic.
Cover image courtesy of rawpixel.
(Written on September 01, 2019.)
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Very fascinating article, the examples you used were spot on. And that is such a good point about it being an act of humility before God. I do think that He honors it, as He does anything we do for His Kingdom and Glory. I have found that some situations in my own personal experience have required something even more than prayer alone. I think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20-21 explain what I am trying to express far greater than I ever could.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great conversation starter, Fleecy! God bless you!
Fasting is a wonderful way to learn discipline over our desires, to let go and be closer to God. Our Lord went to the desert for 40 days to show us the power of fasting for the soul and our connect to the Holy. He rebuffed Satan immediately following, because satan expected him to be weak, but in the Father He was strong. This can be our strength in him too
ReplyDeleteFasting is a neglected spiritual discipline. And I convict myself with this observation. Fasting combined with prayer can be very powerful. I have done limited fasting with prayer for specific needs. I believe we neglect God's power when we neglect fasting. Fasting can be for as little as one meal if done as an honor to God. Having a set schedule for fasting could be helpful, since it would be time set apart to commune with Almighty God. John Wesley did this by fasting every Friday. I also understand that fasting from a Christian sense involves abstaining from food only, and not food and water.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to all who fast & pray.
Fasting is still relevant to the believer. Jesus said when the briBridegr left, we woukd fast. Fasting brings us to awareness of the sufficiency of Christ. While our bodies may be weakened our sprirts are strengthened. Fasting is less about moving God to our will and more about aligning our will to God's. I am suspect of fasting TV shows or other things beside food and water because it does not have the same physical/spiritual component and almost seems a cheat or compromise.
ReplyDeleteFasting is something I wish I was disciplined enough to do more of, especially in this season of my life.
As always, an excellent post!