The practice of fasting has been observed by the religious community which has informed Christianity ever since we can recall. Moses fasted for forty days and forty nights and in that time wrote the Ten Commandments as given by God (Ex. 34:28). Daniel decided that he was going to fast for three weeks by refusing to eat meat and the choice food of the Babylonians as a means of protest and preservation of his faith. (Dan 10:3) Esther had to make a grave decision, which was to petition the King, her husband on behalf of her people. That action of approaching the king without his invitation could have cost her, her life. She made a declaration in the famous words, “if I perish, I perish”. She fasted before the event and invited her community to do likewise (Esther 4:16). Jesus fasted in the wilderness forty days and forty nights, before he began his public ministry. After which he was tempted by the devil (Lk 4:2).
In all these examples we are observing that fasting was widely practised and the spiritual benefit experienced by the practitioners cannot be challenged. Further, Jesus affirmed the practice of fasting by instructing his disciples how to behave themselves when they fasted. He advised them not to use
fasting as an occasion to display their grief, distress or despair, “whenever you fast, do not look dismal”. This was how the hypocrites behaved and the sincere believers should not behave like that. Instead, pay attention to your hygiene and appearance, wash your face and oil your hair, says Jesus. For Jesus, fasting is not a display of piety before the world, but a manifestation of ones devotion to God.
Fasting then is to deny oneself food, drink or some other thing in order to honour God. It offers an opportunity to detox the soul, to examine oneself in light of God’s expectation for one’s life.
Some of the benefits of fasting include,
Helping us to hear from God
Building intimacy with God
Helping us to recognize our hidden sins
Can teach us to pray with the right motive
Can build up our faith in God...
Given these benefits and more, it is recommended that every believer practice fasting with our prayers at some time. It is a means of God’s grace to us as it facilitates the inevitable growth of the believer, once done properly and with the right motive. Prayer and fasting is not to manipulate God to do what we want, but to surrender ourselves to God, so that God can do what He really wants in our life. Don’t miss this lesson and opportunity.
Fasting can include denying oneself our Favourite TV programme, a withdrawal from social media, not going to certain places for a while. It can be for some hours, a day, a few days or even a month or more, with fluids and water.
For practice
Let me encourage the church during the first three weeks of January to engage in the practice of fasting. You can do this alone, or with other members of your class, auxiliaries or cell group. Use the time to focus on a Spiritual revival in the church; for the growth of the Sunday school and the church; for greater love among members, that persons will give more responsibly, study the word more consistently and be more involved in the community around the church. We can fast for the nation, our children and youth, and those who need to manage their anger and love more so
that they do not act so violently. And any other burden that the Lord may lay on your heart. Each group could focus on a particular item or issues.
Friends, this is only the beginning. Join me in making this a response to a call from God to be renewed by God in prayer and fasting.
Amen,