Biblical fasting

Psalm 65:2 says God hears prayers. He delights in our prayers. He gave us a command to pray, so He expects us to pray- the Lord’s Prayer says “when ye pray” not if you pray. He rewards those who seek Him diligently in prayer Hebrews 11:6. He strengthens those who wait on Him in prayer and fasting (Isaiah 40:31). He delivers all those who call upon Him in the time of trouble (Psalm 91:15-16).

There are examples the Bible.

Isaac prayed and 20-year old barrenness was reversed (Genesis 25:15). Hannah prayed and her womb opened (1Samuel 1:10, 19-20, 26-27). Moses prayed and God’s judgement of plagues was removed (Exodus 8: 28-31). Moses’ intercession helped the children of Israel win the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17: 8- 13). David prayed and God gave him direction (2Samuel 2: 1). Elijah prayed and fire came down from heaven (1Kings 18: 36- 38). He prayed and rain fell ending three and half years of drought (James 5: 17). He prayed and a dead child was raised back to life in 1Kings 17: 20-22. King Jehoshaphat led Judah to pray and fast when they were besieged and their enemies were destroyed (2Chronicles 20:3, 15, 24-25). Queen Esther led the Jews in prayer and fasting, she obtained favour before the king. You will obtain favour before kings.

BIBLICAL FASTING

What is fasting?

It is the voluntary act of refraining from eating or drinking for a pre-set period of time. It is a way by which we can say to God that we are deeply upset or concerned about a specific situation (Esther 4:16). It spiritually mimics the act of mourning by giving expression to grief; in that, when we are faced with situations of great gravity we tend to lose our appetites. It is a God-given way for men to humble themselves (Psalm 35:13). It is a means by which we can show to God that we are repentant over our sin (1Samuel 7:6). Fasting can also be appropriate when seeking guidance from God (Exodus 34:28 and Acts 13:2-3). It is a sacrifice, putting God before your most basic human need.

What Fasting Isn’t!

Fasting is not a way of making sure that God listens to you (Isaiah 58:5-12). He hears your prayer even when you are not fasting. Fasting is not an opportunity to show how “spiritual” you are (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting is not a good way to lose weight!

Benefits Of Fasting – People who fasted and the results they obtained results.

Moses fasted, spent about forty days with God and obtained the Ten Commandments.

King Jehoshaphat and all Israel fasted when the Moabites and the Ammonites came against them in battle (2Chronicles 20). The Lord took over their battle. Their enemies turned and fought themselves until they all died. They went away with so much loot. You could say they had a tremendous breakthrough.

Ezra and the exiles obtained journey mercies and divine protection of their precious goods that they travelled with (Ezra 8:21).

Esther obtained courage to take a bold step that advanced her cause. After fasting, dare! Dare great things! Take a bold step. Don’t sit; move! Check out your applications. Go for bigger contracts.

She obtained favour before the king. Protocol was set aside for her. Greater favour will follow you after this fast. Her enemies were exposed and destroyed. Conspiracy was uncovered and destroyed. Death sentence was cancelled. Mass murder was averted. There was great deliverance. Dominion was restored. As you fast and pray, God will restore you to a position of dignity and dominion.

Daniel fasted for 21 days (Daniel 10). His angel of blessing broke through to him. He obtained answers to his prayers. He received prophetic direction. Listen for divine direction as you fast and pray.

Apostle Paul was accustomed to fasting often. He was delivered from ship wreck along with all other passengers. He received great revelations and contributed to over one third of the New Testament.

The Lord Jesus is on record to have fasted for forty days before commencing His ministry on earth. He overcame all the temptations of the enemy. His ministry was launched. His greatness began to unfold. Had a super successful ministry and obtained the power to do the will of God even when it was very difficult.

God’s Promise in Isaiah 58 (NKJV)

Isaiah 58:6-9, “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? [7]Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? [8]Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. [9]Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am….” Fasting  when correctly done brings revival- Joel 1-2; Jonah 3:5

Some Practical Tips On Fasting

Please consult your doctor if you are on medication know if you can embark on a fast. For instance you may not be allowed to fast if you are diabetic and you are on treatment.

You could miss one meal and spend the time praying. You could abstain from food and/or drink for 24 hours, e.g. from 5pm on one day until 5pm the next day. You could abstain from food and/or drink for the day – i.e. from the time you get up until you go to bed. You could fast for a number of days. Paul Yongi Cho suggests that fasting for less than 3 days has no physical effect at all. In his church in Korea, he starts people off on three days and works up to ten days. Remember that we do not twist God’s arm by fasting for longer periods and so this is not necessarily a model to try to emulate immediately – however, Yongi Cho’s church is one of the largest in the world, with about a million members (starting from nothing at all!)! Remember. It is about grace! If you get hungry and eat, God still loves you!

What Should I Do About Fasting?

There really is power in fasting. We need to respond to God in this. Jesus assumed that His disciples would fast as a part of their normal life. If we would consider ourselves to be disciples, then perhaps we should be seeing fasting as a necessary part of Christian life. Let it be a normal part of your lifestyle. John Wesley had all of his Methodist ministers fasting twice a week! When we need guidance, when we need to repent, when we need to commit something to God, when we need to see a breakthrough in some area of our lives we need to fast and pray.

As you embark on a fast, may the Lord revive and reward you abundantly, in Jesus name!

Happy New Year!

Bishop Dr. Charles Olowojoba is the General Overseer

of Dayspring Bible Church Worldwide with HQ in Abuja, Nigeria & President, Dayspring Christian Ministries Int’l.

Website: www.dayspringcmi.org

e-mail: [email protected]

Help line: 08035150515