Fasting in the life of the believer

If there is one discipline of Christian living that is oft neglected, it would have to be that of fasting. No doubt, volumes of books and articles have been written on the subject, but it seems to be one of those things we would rather read about than actually do. (actually there are many such disciplines, but fasting is a biggie). There are many references to fasting in the bible, and I believe that none are insignificant. Upon doing research on the topic for this article, I was struck by the fact that there is so little emphasis on fasting from our pulpits and Christian classrooms. Could it be that the enemy is working overtime to keep us in the dark about fasting? I couldn’t say for sure, but my bet is that he would much rather that we read and passively talk about fasting, than to get down to business and push the plate back for a while.

Now as I often do in my articles, I’m going to put a disclaimer here-Any individual should be very careful about the methods and duration of any fast that is undertaken. I am not a physician, nor am I offering any medical advice-I’m merely attempting to show some of the purposes and benefits of this spiritual practice. The human body can only survive a few days max without water! (on a personal note- I never abstain from water when I fast under the direction of the Holy Spirit).

Ok……glad that’s out of the way- now let’s take a look at some examples in the bible shall we?

This will not go in any type of systematic or chronological order of the bible (just fyi). Let’s begin by establishing the fact that fasting is indeed a part of the New Testament believer’s life.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 6:18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly

Of course, I put special emphasis on the phrase “when you fast”-note that it doesn’t say “if you fast.” Jesus taught that fasting was indeed a part of our lives and should be a normative experience rather than a super-special event. He put special emphasis on the way we should conduct ourselves during a fast. We’re not to try and draw attention to ourselves, or to appear holier-than-thou. What God sees in secret, He is more than willing to reward openly. The promise of the reward itself, should be incentive enough to get us going. Jesus Himself also gave reference to the fact that His disciples would be expected to fast once His resurrection had taken place.

Matthew 9:14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 9:15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Mark 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? 2:19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days

It is apparent that fasting was indeed a spiritual practice in the days of Jesus, because the people were amazed (and possibly offended) that Jesus’ disciples weren’t fasting in those days. But He put all their fears to rest by instructing them that they would indeed fast once He was “taken away from them.”

Now let’s look at some specific examples of fasting, and their spiritual purposes.

Ezra 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance

Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Ezra is a great figure in the Old Testament. He is honorable because he set his heart to seek the Lord. Is it any wonder that this great man of God employed fasting? Notice that in this example, the purpose of the fast was to “seek of him a right way for us.” Divine guidance and direction can be gleaned from fasting. Sometimes we have no idea where to go next, or what to do. Fasting can provide a way to hear the voice of God much clearer.

When king Jehoshaphat found himself in dire straits and surrounded by the enemy, he had no battle plan left. So what better strategy to use but fast and pray for God’s protection?

II Chron 20:3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah

Interestingly enough, it is from this account that we get the famous verse “the battle belongs to the Lord.” Through this act of fasting and prayer, God fought the battle for Israel. Wouldn’t you much rather have the Lord fight for you than to fight yourself?

In the days of Esther, the children of Israel were once again in a state of peril.

Esther 4:3 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Esther 4:15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish

To make a long story short, God delivered the Jews and the devil was hanged on his own gallows.

Jeremiah 36:9 And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem

It was common practice in the days of the Old Testament kings, to proclaim a fast in order to procure divine protection or guidance from the hand of God.

We’re probably all familiar with the story of Jonah. God gave him the mandate to preach to Nineveh and warn them of the judgement to come (within days I might add). Interestingly enough, this city full of evildoers had an unusual response.

Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them

And you probably know how the story ends- God spared the city! (of course Jonah was none too happy about that, but I digress………)

Fasting should produce joy in our lives, as we become more dependant on the Spirit than the flesh.

Zechariah 8:19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace

We know that David (the man after God’s own heart) sinned a terrible sin against the Lord by committing adultery, and being an accessory to the murder of Uriah. We know that David mourned over his sin with fasting. I wonder what would happen if we would fast over our sinful condition?

II Samuel 12:21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. 12:22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

The child did indeed die, but I think David’s response is very interesting. Knowing the character of God and His grace and mercy, he was willing to give fasting and prayer a try. How much more should we?

I find this example very, very interesting. King Ahab was one of the most wicked kings in the history of the nation of Israel. And yet we see the mercies of God extended even to a wretch like Ahab. Have a look and see :

I Kings 21:27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. 21:28And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 21:29 Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

If we would respond like this when confronted with our sins, I truly believe we could avoid some of the terrible consequences that we face.

Desperate times call for desparate measures. God asks us to fast in those times, that we might receive deliverance. It’s one thing for man to give a formula for deliverance. But when God tells us what to do, we are without excuse.

Joel 1:14 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD

Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly

If we will indeed do these things, we can and will experience the “latter rain” in our lives. The windows of heaven will be open unto us and showers of blessings will abound!

In the book of Acts, we find Paul and his shipmates in a terrible storm. All hope of salvation (physically speaking) was lost. Interestingly enough, all on board were spared. Is it any coincidence that they had been fasting?

Acts 27:33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing

Let’s stay in Acts and look at another example. I would assume that this was common practice during the apostolic times, but notice how church leaders were chosen and appointed/approved by God.

Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

How much more effective would our churches be, if we fasted and prayed before ordaining our ministers? For anyone who is considering entering into the ministry, or believes that they have heard the call from God to preach, should earnestly consider fasting as well as praying, so that they can receive confirmation. This should also take away any doubt (if there was any) that God is vitally concerned with who undertakes a particular ministry.

Nehemiah is also a great figure of the Old Testament. He was divinely chosen to be a repairer of the breach and a rebuilder of the nation of Israel.

Nehemiah 9:1 Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. 9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

God honored the prayers and fasting of His people once again. Notice that fasting always brings about a brokenness about our sinful condition. There will also be more of an emphasis on the Word of God. If we would fast and get concerned about our sinful condition, I believe God would grant us a Holy Ghost revival, and restore anointed preaching from the pulpit!

We see several instances in the psalms, where fasting seems to be a normative response to trouble.

Psalm 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting

Psalm 69:10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Psalm 109:24 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness

The prophet Daniel is one of the most beloved figures of the bible. God even makes special mention of him in other places in the scriptures as being a righteous man.

Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes

It is from this account that Daniel received great revelation from God. The angel Gabriel was dispatched to him by God after being hindered for some 21 days by the “prince of Persia.” We can glean from this, that the enemy does not want us to hear from God, but fasting and prayer can break through that realm and help us to get that much-needed answer.

Jesus spoke about what I call the “hard cases.” In this particular instance, His disciples had been unable to bring deliverance to a young boy possessed with a demon. They were no doubt distressed and discouraged at their inability to help. They came privately to Jesus and asked Him why they were unable to cast out the devil. Jesus first scolded them because of their unbelief. But then He went on to say that there are some demonic strongholds that can ONLY be broken by the power team of prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Mark 9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Peter and Cornelius are forever linked together in the minds of Christians, because we have the first example of the Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles. As each one fasted in his own way/manner-revelation from God was given on both accounts. Peter was able to overcome his predjudices against the Gentiles, and Cornelius was instructed that he would soon hear words from a Jewish preacher that would bring an outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon all who heard the message.

Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth

Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

The apostle Paul obviously lived a lifestyle of fasting and prayer. It is apparent from his writings to the Corinthians. This flies in the face of those who preach a lifestyle of luxury and a bed of roses for all who follow Christ. Any preacher who claims that once you come to Christ you will never have any troubles (unless of course you have a “lack of faith” as some propose), obviously never read his bible.

II Cor 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

II Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness

Earlier, Paul had told the church at Corinth, that couples should only abstain from marital relations for the purpose of fasting. (Thus showing us that abstinence from things other than food can be considered a fast). This also blows away the catholic doctrine which demands celibacy from it’s priests.

I Cor 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency

Some pitfalls/attitudes to avoid where fasting is concerned

There are some misconceptions about fasting, and I think I would serve you well to draw attention to some of them. One common misconception, is that fasting somehow “twists” the arm of God to do our bidding. I believe on the contrary, that when we fast, instead of us demanding that God do our will, we will have a greater sense and desire to do His will.

It should also be noted that fasting is no substitute for obedience to the Lord in all other areas of our lives. We (in our modern society) are always looking for a microwave “formula” that will bring about blessing. God knows our hearts, and He is just as concerned with what we are doing in other areas or facets of life. This can lead to discouragment for some, who believe that fasting takes the place of obedience. Take a look at what the Lord says to Isaiah. The people were astonished that they were fasting and yet not seeing the desired results. God cuts right to the heart of the matter :

Isaiah 58:3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

The fast that honors God not only includes abstinence from food, but a loving heart towards God and His people!

Jesus gave an example of an individual with the wrong attitude about fasting.

Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess

Fasting out of a pure heart should never produce such piety. It was obvious that this man’s motives were not where they should have been. Not surprisingly, this individual did not receive blessing from the Lord, but rather scorn and chastisement.

Many folks fast-not to hear from the Lord, but to accomplish their own agendas. We can’t fool the One who sees all.

Zechariah 7:4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying, 7:5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?

Jesus warned against an attitude towards fasting, that seeks to draw attention to the person. No doubt, He was well aware that humanity has a big problem with pride. The great thing is that God who sees in secret, promises an open reward. Let’s keep our fasting secret.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 6:18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Further evidence that the only fast that is honored is one offered by a pure heart is presented here in this passage.

Jeremiah 14:11 Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. 14:12When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Some parting thoughts about fasting

I thought it would only be appropriate to save the best for last. We are to follow the example of Jesus Christ himself. Now I would not advise a fast for 40 days unless you have really, really, really-(did I mention really enough times?) heard from God. Again, the human body can only survive a couple of days at best, without water. In this example, we can only surmise that Jesus probably did drink some fluids, because there is no mention of abstinence from them, only that he was hungry (not thirsty).

Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred

I don’t believe there are any accidents or coincidences where the scriptures are concerned. Immediately after this fast (and subsequent tempation by the devil) we find a wonderful passage of scripture.

Luke 4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about

Just as Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit, it is my sincere desire and prayer that as we fast and seek the face of God, that we will indeed feel the presence and the power of the Spirit!

God bless you as you study His word!