Fasting - What’s the point?
With Simon McIntyre
Before we answer that question, what is fasting? Fasting is a form of self-denial (in favour of devotion to God). It is a denial of normal pleasures. It usually takes the form of fasting food or certain types of food. But it can by extension cover more than that. Whatever it is (whatever form it takes), it is giving up for a predetermined period what is normally necessary and pleasurable. Eating is both essential and wonderful, as are other things.
Fasting is not dieting. Dieting is another thing all together and not to be confused with fasting. Fasting is done for God’s sake, dieting for your sake. Big difference! Aside from which fasting to lose weight only, is too hardcore on the body; it can be dangerous.
History and How To’s.
Interestingly, the Old Testament doesn’t say a lot about fasting; in some ways it is assumed. It says more about feasting. (Feasts were instituted as times of memory and celebration through the calendar year.) So much for the kill joy God people imagine – he commanded us to ‘party.’
Moses went on two, forty-day fasts – supernatural. ‘Don’t try this one at home kiddies.’
In times of sorrow people tend to naturally fast, being overwhelmed with sorrow. 1 Samuel 1:7 NLT. “Each time Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.” Hannah prayed the anguish of her heart out and God heard her strong cries and tears.
Ezra called a fast to pray for God’s protection for their journey from exile to Jerusalem. Ezra 8:21-23 NLT. Prayer is coupled with fasting. God Help!!
Daniel prayed and fasted for the people after reading the prophet Jeremiah and realising the 70 years was all but up. Daniel 9:2-3 NLT. An angel came to him with a message – v20-23. He was heard but the message took awhile to get through. Later in 10:2-3, 12-14 an angel came and told him that his prayer had been heard but the answer had been hindered by demonic foes.
In the New Testament we meet Anna who lived a life of fasting and prayer - Luke 2:36-38 NLT. She was given insight into whom the Messiah was, and she proclaimed him long before others recognised him.
Jesus took it for granted that people would pray, fast and give. Matthew 6:16-18 NLT. Jesus said that those who fasted to be seen already have their reward – they were seen. Fasting without drawing attention to the act (by looking well/good) will be rewarded by God.
In Acts 13:2-3 NLT we see the early church fasting and praying. During this time the Holy Spirit spoke to them and told them to do something Paul already had long known. He waited until he was sent. After more prayer and fasting they sent Paul and Barnabas. Fasting allowed the voice of the Spirit to be clearly heard.
The Old Testament doesn’t say a lot and it seems that fasting was done when fasting was needed. It is something a believer would do, or the nation, when they were under duress or needing to see a break through. (An exception to this was a day of fasting when remembering the Day of Atonement – Numbers 29:7). In other words fasting was a cry of help/entreaty to God. When nothing else will suffice, fasting shows our earnestness and desperation.
The early church fasted, and in church history certain seasons have been accompanied by fasting.
Wesley, the great Methodist Preacher, insisted that his ministers fast 2 days every week, as he did, Wednesday and Friday.
The Book of Common Prayer encourages fasting during Lent. 40 days of Lent, prior to Easter.
Different sorts of fasts.
The Daniel fast, Daniel 10:3 NLT, “When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.”
This is considered a partial fast and may well be the best for some/many jobs and people. It is a denial of certain, normally enjoyed pleasures for a purpose. It can easily be a template for partial fasting where we go off certain parts of our normal diet for God’s sake.
It must however be remembered that a partial fast is only effective if it still has the elements of denial and sacrifice for a season. If I fast something I hardly enjoy anyway then I am not fasting. That is called fooling yourself.
Fasting is not wise for some people (pregnancy), and most should be aware of their health professionals advice especially if they are taking medications or prone to weakness, dizziness and other medical matters.
If you have never fasted, break into it slower than those who have done it before.
All disciples of Jesus are going to fast sooner or later.
Always have fluids in your fast – never fast with no food and no water! But don’t use the blender to make a juice from a Sunday Roast.
Often best to start at sundown the day before the fast and then you can break it in the evening of the next or the next or the next … day.
Things to fast from – food, wine, animal products, sex, pleasure/s etc.
So why fast?
From the examples we have looked at, the reasons we should/can fast are:
Due to grief and tears – asking God for an answer.
Protection from enemies etc.
Future breakthrough and seeing God’s Kingdom be established.
Insight and revelation.
For reward from your father, who sees in secret.
Direction.
And then we could add, any need or burden you carry for yourself and others.
Fasting is prayer getting very serious!
For more tips and info on prayer & fasting, click here.
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