{"id":436,"date":"2015-09-25T14:27:33","date_gmt":"2015-09-25T13:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fastefordanmark.dk\/?page_id=436"},"modified":"2015-11-07T13:32:48","modified_gmt":"2015-11-07T12:32:48","slug":"why-and-how","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fastefordanmark.dk\/?page_id=436","title":{"rendered":"Why and How?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by staff at International House of Prayer in Kansas City<\/span>
\nLink: http:\/\/www.ihopkc.org\/blog\/prayer\/the-why-and-how-of-fasting\/<\/span><\/p>\n

The Why and How of Fasting<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fasting is both wonderful and mysterious. Believers throughout the ages have gone without food in order to receive more of God, achieving personal and national breakthroughs, yet so many questions remain: Is fasting for today? Is it for me? What if I\u2019m weak, or break my fast early? Will God love me any less if I don\u2019t fast? Will He love me any more if I do?<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re new to fasting, or just need encouragement to do it in a healthy, biblical way, these truths from Scripture can help ground us as we fast:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Fasting isn\u2019t (only) about us.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019re not called to work our way to God. This is what sets Christianity apart from other religions\u2014God has come to us, invaded our time, space, and lives, and welcomed us into His family through faith in Jesus\u2019 death and resurrection (Eph. 2:1\u201310).<\/span><\/p>\n

Salvation is accomplished through Christ\u2019s work, and we respond by giving Him our lives. This means He is Lord over every area of our lives\u2014including what we eat. Since fasting is to be a normal part of the Christian life (Jesus said \u201cwhen you fast\u201d in Matthew 6:16, not \u201cif\u201d), God is more than willing to help us walk it out, just as He helps us with prayer, worship, or anything else that we do to draw closer to Him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t hurry past this point\u2014fasting that doesn\u2019t rely on God is little more than dieting at best, and can lead to self-righteousness and pride at worst. We all need grace to fast, no matter how long we\u2019ve been doing it, and our God is full of mercy if we will \u201cask, seek, and knock\u201d (Mt. 7:7; Heb. 4:16).<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Fasting works for us.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

God gave fasting for our benefit. Jesus said that His followers would fast after He was taken away (Lk. 5:35). We are longing for Jesus, for His return, and for His power and beauty to be seen \u201con earth as it is in heaven\u201d (Mt. 6:10).<\/span><\/p>\n

We seek spiritual breakthrough and direction, ask for mercy over our nation as well as our personal circumstances, and hunger for deeper revelation of God and His Word\u2014all good gifts that our Father wants to give us. Sometimes fasting just speeds the release of His promises by taking away distractions so we can enter His presence more easily. Fasting clarifies our desires, shows us that the one thing we can\u2019t live without is Jesus, and helps us find our true satisfaction in the Giver (God) more than the gift (although we still get both!).<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus said that the kingdom is worthy of our wholehearted pursuit (Mt. 13:44). God wants to give us the promised blessings, but sometimes we\u2019ve got be hungry enough for them (literally). Joel 2:12\u201332 is a great picture of how God wants to use fasting and repentance to bring an outpouring of His Spirit \u201con all flesh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

3. God honors small beginnings.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Since we\u2019re not performing for God, and since He promises great rewards to those who seek Him (Mt. 6:18), why not put your faith into action? The Lord will honor even the smallest fast, even if it is just one meal, if it is done in faith.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him\u201d (Heb. 11:6).<\/span><\/p>\n

Too many Christians think fasting only applies to long stretches of time\u2014such as twenty-one or forty days\u2014and so they are afraid to try (or tried and broke their fast early, thus creating a sense of failure). But setting aside one day a week to seek God through prayer and fasting\u2014by abstaining from certain foods or drink\u2014is something that can be done for a lifetime and that will result in great benefits and a closer relationship with God.<\/span><\/p>\n

God will meet us through these short, regular fasts of one or two days per week as we try to build a healthy habit of it. And regular fasting can open the door for longer fasts as you get to know your spiritual and physical rhythms (think of training for a marathon\u2014you wouldn\u2019t try to run twenty-six miles on your first day!).<\/span><\/p>\n

Start small, ask for grace, and see what the Lord does. And whether the blessings come quickly or take a while, they will come. So, as Jesus says, don\u2019t lose heart!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMen always ought to pray and not lose heart,\u201d Luke 18:1.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tips for Fasting<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019ve heard about the grace of fasting\u2014how it works for us, strengthens us in God, and fills us with more of Him\u2014you may want to give it a try (or try it again). These simple guidelines can help you start:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Fast Quietly<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jesus told His followers to look \u201cnormal\u201d when fasting, so that they would attract the attention of God, not men (Mt. 6:16\u201318). Part of fasting is to spend less time with food and more time with Him, so it can help to skip meal times and social gatherings, especially if you are new to fasting. Take a prayer walk or read your Bible during lunch\u2014whatever keeps your mind on God and off food. When temptations come, or people invite you to eat, graciously decline and keep talking to the Father\u2014the source of grace and strength to fast!<\/span><\/p>\n

Fasting isn\u2019t to make us miserable, but to help us delight in God, who loves to give good gifts to His children (Mt. 7:11).<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Fast Regularly<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Plan to fast regularly, one day per week if you can. Pick a day that fits your schedule, a day that won\u2019t interfere with office parties or family gatherings, such as Sunday dinner. (If you\u2019re called to a longer fast and need to miss an important social meal, talk it over with your family in advance; if the relational cost is too high, God may give you grace to eat lightly at the meal and then continue fasting once it\u2019s done).<\/span><\/p>\n

Some fast an entire day each week, such as Tuesdays; others do twenty-four hours, from dinner one day until dinner the next. Whichever way you choose, be sure to keep at it! Regular fasting builds devotion and will impact your heart over time, bringing a good harvest (see Gal. 6:7\u20139).<\/span><\/p>\n

A note on breaking your fast: Even one-day fasts should be broken gently, by eating a small meal and stopping at the first sign of feeling full. Fasting is best done as a lifestyle, not something that\u2019s one-and-done. Eating less sugar and processed foods during the week can lessen hunger pangs and cravings during your fast. Healthy eating habits are especially important if you want to fast more than one day per week or do longer fasts.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Feast on God and His Word (Mt. 4:4)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If we fast without taking in more of God, it\u2019s little more than dieting! Fasting is a divine exchange, where we give up the pleasures of food for the superior pleasures of knowing and loving God more. Only He can satisfy our deepest longings, and He alone is our greatest need (Jn. 4:14; Lk. 10:42).<\/span><\/p>\n

Fasting does make us look different\u2014we eat less and spend more time in prayer, worship, and study\u2014but we are strengthening our inner man, our spirit, while weakening our flesh (2 Cor. 4:16\u201318). Setting a vision for your fast\u2014spiritual breakthrough, a renewed heart, or simply more of God\u2014can help keep your focus on the Lord.<\/span><\/p>\n

If possible, fast with a friend, so you can study and pray together and encourage one another. Use the time (and money, if you are led) that you would normally spend on food to give to God and His purposes (Isa. 58:6\u201312, for example).<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes intercession, evangelism, and prophetic words flow more easily during a fast because our spirits are more alert and our flesh is weakened.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two more tips: Ask God which type of fast to do (The Rewards of Fasting describes five types of fasting on pages 77\u201378; see the free ebook link below), and don\u2019t give in to fear because \u201cthe fear of fasting is far worse than the fasting itself,\u201d as Mike Bickle says.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to overcome challenges in fasting:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever struggled while trying something new? You\u2019re not alone!<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019ve been at it for a while, fasting challenges the \u201cnormal\u201d rhythm of life and society, so it requires constant dependence on God. Our flesh wars with our spirit, tempting us in different ways, but the Lord is more than able to keep us\u2014even when we \u201cmess up.\u201d Here are three common struggles:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Talking about it<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

God is our reward for fasting, not the praise of men. Bragging or telling others that we\u2019re fasting can limit God\u2019s blessing, so keep your conversation with the Lord (Mt. 6:16).<\/span><\/p>\n

If it helps, tell one or two trusted friends or mentors who can pray with you during the fast, but try not to go beyond that. What if someone offers you food? Simply say something like, \u201cNo, thank you,\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m all set, thanks.\u201d If they insist, explain that you\u2019re not eating that day, and leave it at that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regard your devotion to God as holy, something set apart just for Him. We can share the rewards of fasting with others\u2014knowledge, prophetic insight, and a fiery heart for Jesus\u2014and invite others into it when our hearts are pure (Mt. 5:3\u20138).<\/span><\/p>\n

A side note: Talking about fasting to exhort and encourage others is different than doing it to gain their attention or admiration. God knows our motives, and we will be held accountable to Him (Mt. 12:36).<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Eating (or drinking) something<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a big one. Sometimes we aim too high or set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Maybe you started a \u201cwater only\u201d fast but needed some juice to make it through the day. Or maybe that granola bar or snack just \u201cjumped\u201d into your mouth. What can we do?<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is God sees the reach in our hearts. He rewards everything we give to Him, whether it\u2019s one meal, one day, or one week. He\u2019s quick to forgive (Ex. 34:6-7) and wants us to press delete and restart quickly\u2013we won\u2019t exhaust His grace if we are seeking Him wholeheartedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re continually breaking your fasts early, take a look at what\u2019s tripping you up. Maybe a different day would work better, or try a juice fast instead of all water. It can help to ask a friend for accountability and encouragement\u2014you don\u2019t have to go it alone!<\/span><\/p>\n

A note on \u201cmessing up\u201d: Sometimes God allows our stumbling to expose weakness, prevent pride, and show us how unsatisfying food is compared to the pleasure of knowing Him more. A binge during or after a fast can leave us feeling worse than when we were hungry\u2014something that can increase our zeal to stay faithful!<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Ignoring God<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This may be easier to do than you think (and harder to spot!). Fasting weakens us physically, removing the comfort we would get from food. Sometimes anger, fear, and hurt emotions rise to the surface, surprising even us! It can be tempting to suppress these feelings with entertainment, shopping, or Facebook, but this defeats the purpose. We must allow God to purify our souls, recognizing that these things came up for a reason, instead of masking the pain with other behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bottom line is that God is jealous for you (Ex. 34:14)! He wants all of you, and fasting helps reveal things that are getting in the way, such as busyness, pain, or other loves.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is another reason to fast weekly: some things take a while to be noticed, but God is fully committed to cleansing us if we will stay faithful to the process! So don\u2019t quit. Even if it gets hard, the Lord loves to help in our weakness, and His grace is more than enough (2 Cor. 12:9).<\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully, these foundations will start you on an exciting journey of encountering God through fasting. As we keep our eyes on Him, He will do more than we could think, ask, or imagine (Eph. 3:20)!<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer: This is not intended as medical advice; please check with your doctor first if you have any health issues or concerns. Minors are discouraged from fasting food and should always ask their parents before doing any fasting.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written by staff at International House of Prayer in Kansas City Link: http:\/\/www.ihopkc.org\/blog\/prayer\/the-why-and-how-of-fasting\/ The Why and How of Fasting Fasting is both wonderful and mysterious. Believers throughout the ages have gone without food in order to receive more of God,…
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