It's amazing to me how someone, like myself, can be saved for almost 20 years and still be learning so much! I grew up in a Christian home with two of the godliest parents in the world. I've been in good, solid churches my entire life. And yet, God continues to teach me new & exciting things about Him and about what He desires of His children. One of the newest areas God is teaching me in is the concept of fasting.
So what is fasting? Jentezen Franklin, in his book on fasting says that "biblical fasting invites you to refrain from food for a spiritual purpose". It is choosing to give up something, typically food, for a period of time in order to dedicate that time to the Lord. Fasting on its own is pointless, it's only when fasting is done with prayer and study of the Word that it is true biblical fasting.
Of course I'd heard of fasting, but had never really studied it and therefore didn't practice it or even understand the need for it. Fasting is not directly commanded in Scripture. However, Matthew 6:16-18 says, "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." I find it interesting that Jesus said "when you fast" not "if you fast". This discussion of fasting comes directly after Jesus tells us how to give and how to pray. As believers, we will readily admit that giving and praying are an essential part of our spiritual lives. This passage seems to indicate that we should view fasting in the same way. Also in Luke 5:33-35 we read, "And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” Here Jesus says "they will fast". So it seems that even though Jesus never directly commanded it, He expects His followers to do it. Scripture also holds a wealth of examples of believers fasting. Here are just a few: Moses fasted for 40 days on the mountain before receiving the commandments, Esther and the Jews fasted for 3 days before she approached the king about the deliverance of the Jews, Ezra fasted for 3 days over the sins of Israel, Daniel fasted for 21 days while seeking an answer to prayer and of course Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days prior to beginning His earthly ministry.
Based on the examples of people fasting in Scripture, I saw several purposes of fasting. In the words of Jentezen Franklin, fasting "opens a door to God's promises" and "your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God" Fasting enables us to take our eyes off our often mis-placed priorities and focus on God's priorities for our lives. One of the purposes of fasting is to seek direction from the Lord. In times of chaos and confusion, setting aside that time to fast, pray and study His Word can make everything around us seem to fade away and His will becomes clear to us.
Another purpose is confession and repentance. When we see our sinfulness before God it should bring us to our knees. If we have found ourselves wandering from the righteous life God desires of us, prayer and fasting can be the stimulant we need to get us back on the right path. Fasting can always be a way of preparing ourselves to be used by God. It can bring both physical and spiritual cleansing. We ask God to clear away anything in our lives that will get in the way of His glory. It is only when we empty ourselves and desire to be filled by Him that He can fully use us for His glory. Another purpose of fasting is seeking deliverance. Whether we are asking for physical healing or release from spiritual bondage, the discipline of fasting shows our dependence on God and solidifies our belief in what He can do. Last, but certainly not least, fasting can be a way to intercede for others. When we see a great need in another's life, it can be a time to come before the Lord in prayer and fasting on their behalf.
Fasting also brings with it spiritual benefits, such as deepening our love for God. When we take that time away from food to simply spend it with our Savior, it will renew our love for Him and cause it to grow stronger. It also causes us to be more aware of God's presence. We can get so caught up in our busy lives that we miss out on what God is speaking to us, what He desires for us and how He wants to use us. Fasting makes us more receptive to the touch of the Spirit in our lives.
With all that the Scriptures have to say about fasting, the question really becomes not "why should we fast?" but rather "why wouldn't we?"
