One of the topics we have been discussing in our discipleship class is fasting.
What is fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline whereby you go without food and/or drink for a period of time to bring us closer to God. It is not a diet.
Why fast?
There are many reasons to fast such as but no limited to seeking a relationship with the Lord, to sharpen our focus to seek His perfect will in our lives, for spiritual strength, to petition God and to seek his favor for others, for choosing leaders, for protection, because we are mourning, for the sins we have committed, and for God’s mercy. The real reason is to take your focus from the world and placed it solely on God through prayer, reading the scripture, and meditation.
How often should we fast?
How often is really difficult to say, but Christ does expect us to fast as stated in
Matthew 6:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
Fasting
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Preparing yourself physically
I would never tell a person not to fast. I believe that if you decide to fast and do it for the right reasons, God will help and protect you. But there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself in advance such as get off caffeine, reduce salt intake, reduce your bread and sugar intake, eat smaller mealsand drink plenty of water. Also, you should not exercise while you are on an extended fast of 7 days or more.
Preparing yourself spiritually
Study the Bible on fasting to decide what type absolute (Paul), supernatural absolute (Jesus), or partial (Daniel). When deciding on the type of fast, go to God in prayer so the Holy Spirit can lead you on the correct path. The fast its self is not the most important thing, it is why you are fasting.
What will you do while on your fast
Avoid distractions such as the TV, phone, and computer usage. Remember why you are on your fast and use it as your guide to focus your attention. During times that you would engage in TV, phone, computer, meal preparation, and eating you can spend focusing on the Lord through fellowship, prayer, meditation, and reading the scripture.
How to respond to others while on a fast
If you have an immediate family such as a spouse and kids that are Christian, they will understand. For all others there are many ways to handle the situation such as you are busy or have other plans and this will not be a lie since you will be spending time with the Lord.
It is not that others know you are on a fast, but the way in which you go about letting them know. The Pharisees did it for their own recognition which is why Jesus said they received their reward in full.
Coming off a fast
For an absolute and supernatural absolute, you will start off with easy to digest foods in small quantities. There are several raw/steamed vegetables and some fruits that are very easy to digest, but stay away from pasta, potatoes, rice, and bread for at least a week after your fast has ended. Stay away from dairy products, meats, and oils for at least another week and then reintroduce them slowly, in small amounts, and ease of digestion.
For a partial fast, reintroduce dairy products, meats, and oils slowly, in small amounts, and ease of digestion.
Resume exercise slowly allowing your body time re-adjust. You will be sore for the first few days, but it will go away.