“So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For 40 days and 40 nights he fasted and became very hungry.” – Matthew 4:1-2
Fasting is one of the most questioned topics in the Bible. Should I fast? If so, how? And why?
Fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines, which we as Christians should practise regularly. Jesus fasted in the desert, and we are called to follow His example.
To fast is to become physically weak through giving up food. This weakness is used as a prophetic action to lead your spirit to experience true hunger, focusing it on God and His Word.
A prophetic action is something we do with our physical bodies to symbolise what is happening with our spirits. When you fast and give up the food your body needs, you stop confiding in your own strength and humble yourself to enter God’s intimacy.
A Biblical fast is giving up food or mealtimes, but today people created many alternatives (such as giving up social media). People like David, Esther, Nehemia and Daniel fasted when they faced big problems in their lives. And God helped them through it!
Remember, God knows what you’re going through. If you fast and pray, it won’t be for nothing. Expect to encounter God and have a breakthrough, and He will meet your expectations!
Why Fasting?
Prayer: Lord, I place all my trust in You. As I fast, I know You see me. Please come and fight for me. I fix my eyes on You and lift Your name. Thank you for what You will do by Your Spirit.
Challenge: Look at the different types of fasting mentioned in the Bible. Find one that you would like to do, grab a fellow Christian friend, and fast and pray together.
