Advice On Fasting And Christianity
posted on 10/11/2009
One big misconception about fasting that Christians have is they think the only fast that they can go on is a food fast. Fasting is about depriving yourself of something you like for spiritual gain. Fasting is something you enter into voluntarily and not because you were coerced or forced into it, or made to feel guilty about not doing it. Fasting is something Christians and non Christians do, however, fasting for the non believer only has natural benefits. Fasting for the Christian, has spiritual and eternal values.
Fasting began in a period of time where most people worked, ate and slept. That is all there really was to do. We live in a time now where there are millions of thing to occupy our thoughts and minds when we are not working, eating and sleeping. Computers, driving, movies, music; the list is endless. If you are a person who when not busy is always watching television, you can choose to fast the television. If you are diabetic or have some other medical condition that would make it foolish for you to fast food, always choose an alternative.
Reasons for fasting vary. A common theme in the Bible was fasting to express grief. When David heard the news of King Saul's death, him and his men fasted until evening (II Samuels 1:11-12).
Seeking God's face is a reason to fast. In the Bible people fasted for clear discernment of God's will. Before appointing leaders to the churches Paul founded he fasted and prayed for guidance.
Just like getting on our knees to pray before God shows we are humbling ourselves, fasting also shows our humility before the Creator of the Universe. King Ahab fasted and humbled himself.
More reasons for fasting are repentance, deliverance and overcoming temptation. In conjunction with prayer there really isn't any reason not to fast.
The length of time of a fast is your determination. Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days and quite a few Christians have fasted for that length of time, however, for you and your desired outcome, you probably don't require such a long time.
If you do fast food, make sure your body can handle it. You might want to consult a doctor. Also God is not impressed with a fast if you are walking around sulking and letting everyone know that you are fasting. If you choose to fast, do so with a good spirit and a smile.
God will bless a fast by any of his children even if the outcome is God's design and not yours. I hope this was helpful.
Comment on this article
You must be logged in to post comments.
Previous Comments