FASTING

Why fast? Though you may receive some physical health benefits from fasting that is not our ultimate goal in fasting. We fast first and foremost because Jesus expected His followers to fast in the same way He expected them to give and pray. In Matthew 6:16 Jesus said, “When you fast…” Like Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Daniel, Esther, Anna and His cousin John the Baptist before Him, Jesus practiced what He expected of His followers when He fasted for 40 days in Matthew 4:1-4. We fast to put us in the position of God’s blessing if He so chooses. As Dr. Rick Cryder has said, “Fasting is feasting on Christ.” This feasting on Christ sharpens our ability to hear God’s voice. It is also a way of subduing our bodily appetites as well as using our body to give strong emotion before God, especially when coupled with prayer. In fact, fasting gives us more time for prayer. There is also biblical evidence fasting gives us power over the kingdom of darkness (Matthew 17:21 KJV). However, remember that fasting is not a way of manipulating God to get what you want. Fasting helps you discover what and more importantly, who you really need - Jesus! Christ is the ultimate motivation for our fast because He fasted on the Cross (John 19:28) and is fasting now until He gathers His forever family for the ultimate feast at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Mark 2:19-20; Matthew 26:29 and Revelation 19:9).

How to Fast? There are two main categories of fasting: 1) The discipline of fasting where you train yourself to be godly on a regular basis and 2) functional fasting that is done in times of an urgent need “to make your voice heard on high” (Isaiah 58:4). You can participate in a partial fast like the “Daniel Fast” where you eat no meats or sweets (Daniel 10:2-3). You can practice a total fast taking no food or water when drastic measures are needed (Esther 4:16). Remember though that you are disciplining your body to be used for God (1 Corinthians 9:27). You are not trying to harm your body which is to be a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Fast only if your health allows and it is wise to check with your physician before fasting, easing into it at first such as missing one meal or just having a juice fast. Use the time you would normally eat to pray or to serve others.

Pastor Jon teaches about fasting in this sermon on June 9, 2019. Use the link below to listen to it.

“When you fast, God will nourish you with food for your spirit.”  
~ Jonathan Stairs

Desiring God
article on fasting

“Fasting is for those who want more of God’s grace. For those who feel truly desperate for God.”

The invitation of fasting has nothing to do with politics or weight loss but allows us to ask for or react to God’s presence and will. Pastor Jon Thompson dives into this in his sermon at Sanctus Church. Please use the link below to watch it.