When Jesus walked the earth, he spent time teaching people the principles of the kingdom of God. In Matthew 6, known as the beatitudes, he outlined 3 distinct responsibilities of the believer. To give, to pray and to fast. He made it clear that fasting was a normal part of a believer’s walk. When the disciples couldn’t cast out a demonic spirit in Matthew 17 and Jesus cast it out, the disciples later came to him to ask why they were unable to cast it out, since he had already given them the power to do it(Matthew 10:1). Jesus said this kind come out only through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-20). Prayer and fasting combined release a power which prayer alone does not release. Jesus himself fasted. Why? Because he knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way.
Many Christians believe that simply going without food releases the power of God, or moves God’s hand on a situation. It doesn’t. This is called starving. Stated simply, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. Without prayer, you are just going hungry.
When we fast, our flesh is subjected to our spirit. Many people live their whole lives dictated to by their body. When the body feels hungry, they eat. But the body (or flesh in some translations) is not suppose to rule or dominate the Christian’s life. When we fast, we put our body in its rightful place. This does not mean that our bodies are bad, but they are to be subject to our will (soul) and our spirit. Correct fasting brings a person into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord. When we fast we actually become more sensitive to the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit. It is always difficult to pray after a meal, because the body is so active at that time. When the body is quite, we can pray more effectively, with greater clarity and focus, because our spirit is less hindered.
3 reasons for fasting in the bible.
1. For the fulfilment of God’s promises
Daniel 9:2 Here Daniel saw in the scriptures that their captivity was to only last 70 years and the 70 years were over. So v.3 “I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes”. (Notice there was prayer and fasting).
2. When important decisions need to be made
Acts 13:2 The church leaders were praying and fasting about the direction they should take and “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Ezra 8:21 Ezra and the leaders fasted and prayed for direction and protection
“Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”
3. In times of crisis
Acts 27 In this chapter, the ship Paul is on is going through a dangerous storm, and it looks like the ship is going to sink. V.21-25 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. “And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, “saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
How long do I fast?
There is no set amount of time, but if you have not gone without food before, I would start with 1 day, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. So you don’t eat till the next morning. You can build from there. The most common fasts are 3 day fasts.
Can I eat anything?
There are fasts without any food. This is seen in the fast Jesus undertook. Or there is also what is known as a Daniel fast. This is taken from the Book Of Daniel in the Bible, which is a food which includes only fruit and vegetables.
What should I drink?
Always important to drink plenty of fluid. You do not want to dehydrate. Some people drink water only, others may include fruit juice. There are no hard and fast rules. Do what you feel comfortable with.
So fasting is depicted in the Bible as an important part of seeing answers to prayer. But remember, it is not about works, it is about faith. Jesus also taught about fasting.
Mat 6:16 “When you fast, declining food for a spiritual purpose, don’t be like the hypocrites, who disfigure their faces so that people will know they are fasting. I tell you, that is the only reward they will get. But you, when you fast, wash your face and dress well, so know one will suspect you are hungry. Then your Father who sees in secret, will reward you openly.
So we don’t do it so others will think we are super spiritual, but to enhance the focus and therefore effectiveness of our prayers and to release God’s supernatural power into the affairs of people- Both ours and others.