Fasting Fasting
Understanding Fasting
The word “fast” literally means to shut the mouth so as to abstain from food. When you have “breakfast” you partake of food after you have abstained from food throughout the evening and the night.
Though in its simplest definition fasting means to abstain from food for spiritual purposes, if you think fasting is only not partaking of food then you would be doing a great injustice to yourself, to God, and to fasting. There are many benefits to fasting in the natural.
Natural Benefits of Fasting1
- Helps to reduce the toxic side effects of chemotherapy on normal cells
- Provides relief to those suffering from epilepsy
- Aids in maintaining a healthy heart
- Useful in treating acute pancreatitis
- Useful remedy for combatting obesity
- Helps to increase the secretion of growth hormones
- Fasting followed by a vegetarian diet gives relief from rheumatoid arthritis
Biblical Role of Fasting
In addition to the natural benefits of fasting, there are biblical benefits of fasting as well.
- Bring you to a place where you deny yourself for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom.
- Facilitate a deep level of commitment and sacrifice.
- Withdraw from normal life to devote yourself more fully to God and intercede for others.
There are several reasons people do not fast. One of them is a lack of understanding of its power in mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual life.
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Benefits of Fasting
- Fasting humbles you before God and turns you towards Him.
- Fasting engages God for a spiritual, mental, physical, financial, ministerial, relational, municipal, and personal breakthrough.
- When you fast, you entreat God for divine intervention.
- Fasting connects you to God so you will aloe Him to make what seems impossible to you become possible.
- Fashion makes a demand upon the supply of the Holy Spirit.
- Fasting shows God, you are not relying upon your own hand, but His hand to remove the attack, damage, and oppression of Satan from your life.
- When you fast, you submit your body as an altar to connect with God for spiritual and physical transactions.
- Fasting induces labor to give birth to your destiny: it identifies and delays opposition and allows God to break it.
- Fasting crucifies your flesh so you will align yourself with the will of God.
Types OF Fasts
No matter what type of fast you choose, please know that you should break the fast gradually. Remember, the longer you fast, the more days you will have to take to break your fast.
As a general rule, for every four days you fast, you’ll take one day to break the fast. For example, if you had juice fasted for 40 days, you will need about 10 days to gradually break your fast.
Always listen to how your body responds to the food and the amount of food you consume.
The Total Fast
The total fast is abstaining from all food and just drinking water. On this fast, you will not eat food, but do drink plenty of water. It flushes your system. This fast has great physical benefits as well as great spiritual ones.
If you have never fasted, do not go on this fast for an extended length of time at first. Start out for a short period and then increase your fasting time. A suggestion would be to try it first for one day and then increase gradually.
This fast has to be broken slowly. When you come off the fast, do not eat a full meal. Start with liquids like fruit juice or broth, then move to light foods before returning to normal meals.
Important: This fast may cause weakness as there is no nutrition intake. Headaches are normal. Pray and ensure you are led by God before beginning.
Non-Total Fast
The Non-Total fast involves abstaining from food while consuming water and fruit juices.
Fresh juices are naturally sweet. Making your own juice reduces calories and increases nutritional value. However, it requires time and should be consumed immediately.
Store-bought juices labeled “100% juice” should still be checked for added sugar.
You will likely experience less weakness since your body still receives nutrients. Drink small amounts throughout the day and avoid milk.
The Systematic Fast
Also known as intermittent fasting, this involves fasting for certain hours each day and eating within a specific window.
Allow the Lord to guide your fasting schedule. Each individual is different—do not follow someone else’s pattern.
Avoid overeating during eating periods. Maintain balance and discipline.
The Supernatural Fast
This fast involves no food or water and should only be attempted if divinely directed.
This is not a normal fast. Only attempt if clearly led by God.
- Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights
- Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai
What is your fasting life like?
1 Peter 4:1 – Arm yourselves with the same mind.
Fasting is both mental and physical. You are not alone in finding it difficult.
The enemy will attempt to distract and discourage you. Stay focused and prepared.
Prepare For Your Fast
Plan Your Success
Fasting is a spiritual discipline. Plan how you will use your time with God.
Luke 14:31 – Strategic planning
- Set a clear purpose
- Decide duration and type
- Plan prayer time
Prepare Spiritually
- Confess sins
- Forgive others
- Surrender fully
Prepare Physically
Take precautions and consult a doctor if needed.
Plan the Enemy’s Defeat
- Mind – Lies and doubt
- Body – Discomfort
- Spirit – Discouragement
Conclusion
The benefits of fasting far outweigh the sacrifice. It strengthens your spirit and aligns you with God’s will.
Fasting does not change God—it changes you.
Blessings and Gratitude
I am both honored and grateful for your visit to the site. If there is anything I can do for you, please fill out the contact form and I will get back in touch with you as soon as I can. In the meantime, may the Lord bless and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace.
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