Delve Into Jesus : Questions : Fasting

Comments

I think it's wonderful that you're thinking about fasting! It's something the Bible tells us to do, but somehow it has gotten overlooked in many churches and by many Christians. About a year ago, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to fast, but I did not know what to do, specifically. Bread and water? Water only? How long? I was not certain, and as I researched, I found so many different suggestions and points of view. I was even more confused. I came to the conclusion that it did not matter what the specifics were, so long as I made a decision and stuck with it. The point was to give up something important for a time so that my focus could be on the Lord and my prayers could be focused. I decided that what was right for me was to give up food for seven days. During that time, I drank lots of water and fruit and vegetable drinks. It was difficult, but not as much as you might think. I did not see an immediate effect after the fast - there was no great spiritual conversion - but looking back, I see that it was a bit of turning point for me. I'm glad I did it, and may do it again soon if I feel led. I hope it goes well for you. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.

arsindelve- 8/19/2007 11:50:47 AM

Jesus also compelled his disciples not to boast about fasting (using the Pharisees as examples of what not to do) in Matthew 6. He even says "Put oil on your head, and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting..."

On the two or three occasions that I fasted, still being young enough to live under my mother's roof, I would skip breakfast and lunch, but eat dinner because there was no way to avoid it without telling her I was fasting, and if I told her it would almost be certain that she would tell others, and someone was going to make a big deal out of it because "they were so proud of me."

So while Jesus doesn't say to be deceptive about fasting, he certainly says that it is something that is to be kept as much as possible between you and the Father, and to avoid the scrutiny of others (whether positive or negative) so that their opinions won't infect your motives and make you lose sight of the reasons you started fasting: to bring yourself closer to God.

anonymous- 10/28/2007 10:55:46 PM

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