Fasting helps express, deepens, confirms the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.
~~Andrew Murray
One of the Dictionary.com definitions of fasting is: an abstinence from food, or a limiting of one’s food, esp. when voluntary and as a religious observance; fasting.
I’ve fasted in the past…anywhere from one day up to 90 days (combination of water/juice on the 90 day fast).
Instead of spending time preparing & eating food, time is spent in prayer and communicating with God — and listening!
When I fast, I do get closer to God-I really hear what He wants me to do and what direction to take.
Without “junk” in my body I feel cleaner and lighter which adds to the experience.
By fasting, I’m relying solely on God – not food – to nourish me and feed me.
When fasting, don’t focus on the lack of food but instead focus totally on Him, removing your thoughts from the worldly things.
Praying and fasting is a powerful way to connect and show that you open and have a true desire to seek Him and His wisdom.
I’m getting ready to go on my spiritual journey (not going to say how long because honestly this time I don’t know how long it’ll be-this time I’m going to until I’m lead not to).
In the past I’ve put a number out there and have helped others during their fasts.
Some say that that goes against Scripture because of Matthew 6:16 where it says
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
However, note the part about for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting.
When I fast, I don’t look miserable nor disheveled…I don’t look for people to admire me either.
I let others know so that they know that if they feel led, they too can fast.
That there are benefits that can be received when when we fast and focus on God instead of things of the world.
Some people fast food, others fast watching tv or other activities that take away time they could be spending with God.
It’s up to you what you fast. I personally fast food.
In the first few days, the enemy does usually come to attack and try to throw me off…when that happens, I have to keep standing in faith and rebuking him while seeking and keeping my eyes on God.
There’s a lot going on right now and I’m trusting in Him, standing in faith and going to fast to show my desire to get even closer-relying totally on Him to sustain me.
Tidbit of info:
According to the Hayford Bible hand book it makes claims that the Verb fast occurs 22 times and the noun fast occurs 26 times throughout the Bible.
Few of the many verses regarding fasting:
At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
~~Daniel 10:2-3
Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.
~~Luke 2:37