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About Fasting
Physical Benefits Of Fasting
The benefits of fasting are innumerable. Here is just a partial list of the many benefits of this most powerful of spiritual disciplines.
- The Word of God comes alive
- Addictions and strongholds are broken
- We become more sensitive to God's presence
- The physical body is purged of toxins
- It becomes easier to trust and obey God
- The sanctifying process is accelerated
- Faith increases
- Doubts and fear vanish
- God reveals to us our sinful attitudes
- Decrease of self-indulgence
- Decrease of self-righteousness
- Emotional scars are healed
Practical Tips for Fasting
- The early church gave themselves to fasting and prayer for a time.
If they needed it then, we need it now! Every time you pray and fast
for a certain amount of time, you are investing in a powerful kingdom
- the kingdom of God.
- Set a definite time for your fast so you know in advance how long
you will be fasting. Keep in mind fasting changes your heart. A one-day
or one-meal fast can be very powerful when submitted to God as a sacrifice
of yourself.
- Since you are denying your flesh and seeking the Lord, you may find
yourself in the midst of spiritual warfare and thus becoming irritable
or unwilling to pray. Some of these feelings may be physically induced
just because of a physical reaction. Plan beforehand to "pray through"
the spiritual battle.
- On longer fasts (2 or more days) the body is cleansing itself from
physical impurities. Possible side effects from toxins include bad breath,
headache, nausea, hunger, weakness, and leg cramps. To help prevent
these problems, abstain from caffeine, sugar, and junk food five days
prior to your fast. Drink pure water (distilled if possible) throughout
your fast, it helps with elimination of toxins. The cleaner your system,
the less discomfort. The less waste that is stored in the body when
you begin your fast, the fewer toxins will be released.
- Try to rest if you feel weak and get some fresh air every day.
- Spend time in prayer, worship, repentance, and read your Bible. Use
the time you would normally spend eating or preparing food for "spiritual
exercise". Many people have noticed that the Bible simply comes alive
while they are fasting.
- Have specific spiritual goals that you desire to obtain while praying
and fasting. Without prayer and a set purpose, fasting is only a glorified
diet.
- Break your fast with grape juice, fresh fruits, and steamed vegetables,
adding other foods in a day or two. Avoid meat, bread, and fats for
several meals or days depending on the length of the fast. Keep in mind
your stomach has been inactive and it takes a while to restore essential
digestive enzymes and acids. Fasting is a very healing process for your
body so do not undo your efforts with unhealthy foods.
- Some medical conditions are prohibitive to fasting. Get the advice
of your physician if you have a medical condition. These conditions
include diabetes, hypoglycemia, and heart disease. Pregnant and nursing
mothers also should not fast because toxins will be passed on to the
baby. Also, some medications need to be taken with food so use discretion.
In these cases where you are unable to do a complete fast (water only)
consider abstaining from television and dedicating yourself to prayer
during this time.
- Other types of fasts include:
- Water, Honey and Lemon - This is considered a cleansing
fast. Squeeze 1/2 lemon in a cup of hot water and add honey to taste.
Drink water throughout the day. This can be used for an extended
fast.
- Juice Fast - This is self-explanatory. No food, coffee,
soft drinks, etc. Juice only--fresh carrot juice is excellent.
- Daniel Fast - Fruits, vegetables and water. This is a good
fast for those who have physically demanding jobs.
Questions and Answers Regarding Fasting
- Is fasting for everyone?
Fasting is beneficial for anyone who desires to draw closer to Christ.
Every Christian should do some sort of fast at least once a month. The
Apostle Paul fasted often.
- What if I don't feel called to fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline, just like prayer and reading the
Bible. It is not something we are called to do, rather we choose to
obey Christ and sacrifice some of the pleasures of this life in order
to please God. Fasting trains us in self-control and produces fruits
of peace and righteousness.
- Why is fasting so important?
It reduces our appetite for carnal pleasures and creates a hunger for
God's treasures. We are commanded to walk in the Spirit so we won't
fulfill the desires of the flesh. Fasting helps us to resist the flesh
and walk uprightly before the Lord - to live a life which is pleasing
to Him.
- How do I get started?
Begin with a one meal fast and go from there. Some of the most powerful
fasts can be one or two meals if you enter into it with pure motives
and a desire to spend time with the Lord Jesus.
- What should I do while fasting?
Spend as much time with Jesus as possible. This is how we become more
and more like Him. Read your Bible, worship with song and thanksgiving,
be silent and listen. Silent reverence with repentance is powerful!
- Should I fast if I have dietary restrictions or am on medication?
You should seek the Lord and consult your physician if you have any
concerns. Medical science has known for some time that our bodies purge
toxins while we fast. Chapter 58 of Isaiah mentions healing as one of
the many benefits of fasting. However, use discretion when doing a food
fast and consider an alternate fast if you are medically restricted
in any way.
- I really enjoy eating; do I have to do a food fast or are there
other types of fasts?
The most beneficial fast for your body and spirit is water only. However,
God will honor any type of fast if you have a sincere desire for personal
revival and holiness. Here are some alternatives to a food fast.
- Daniel Fast
fruit, vegetables and water
- Juice Fast
fruit and vegetable juices only. If you are hypoglycemic, you might
want to use a 50% water mix with the juice, especially if using
bottled or canned juices. Fresh juices, however, are best. They
may be purchased from a health food store or use a juicer.
- TV/Entertainment Fast
God will bless you mightily if you'll shut your TV off for 40 days
to seek Him. You should also set aside newspapers, talk radio, video
games and movie theaters. Instead, spend time with your family and
the Lord. The purpose is to focus on God and avoid distractions.
- Why do I get headaches when I try to fast?
Your body is purging toxins which have accumulated from years of a poor
diet, prescription drugs and bad habits. Headaches are one of the results
of this cleansing process (usually the second day). Prepare your system
prior to a fast by eating healthier. Avoid red meat, sugar, caffeine
and bread. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables three or four days before
going on a fast of more than one day.
- How will I benefit from fasting?
The benefits of fasting are many for those who continue faithfully in
this discipline. Here are just a few.
- A significant increase of understanding and revelation from the
Word of God
- Addictions and strongholds are broken--permanent changes take
place
- Recognition of sinful attitudes or conditions of your heart that
you haven't noticed before
- Decrease of self-indulgence and self-righteousness
- An increase of faith; Fear and doubt diminish because of confidence
in God rather than your flesh
- Supernatural release from bitterness and an ability to forgive
others
- A much greater sensitivity to God's presence
- The ability to hear God is greatly enhanced
- You increasingly become more like Jesus with a notable increase
of love, humility and wisdom.
- Will all of my prayers be answered if I fast and pray the right
way?
No, probably not. Fasting does not force God to do something He otherwise
wouldn't do. Your circumstances may actually worsen at first. If you're
fasting for God to change a particular person, it may not happen. However,
there is no wasted time or energy when seeking God through fasting,
prayer and worship. He will change YOU! He will soften your heart and
give you a healthy perspective of your circumstances and relationships.
- I don't hear many sermons on fasting. Does the Bible have much
to say on the subject?
Yes! The Old and New Testament alike speak volumes on fasting. Study
these references
and ask God for the grace to implement fasting into your life.
For further info contact:
Morning Star Ministries
Frank and Holly Zvonec
24211 55th Ave NE #B
Arlington, WA 98223
E Mail: morningstar@seanet.com
(360) 435-1819
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