Fasting

Why fast? Why all the hype about fasting?

Today there is a renewal of fasting in the Christian world—especially among those who are seeking revival. As we prepare to fast, let me guide you with some thoughts and give you some resources regarding fasting.

In Random Ministries it has been strongly suggested that the leadership and staff fast and pray in preparation for this upcoming Prayse™ Rally and as we step into God’s plan for the youth of the city of Colorado Springs. Here are some things that, Hard Core member, Adam Evers and I put together as instructions for fasting. Please see these as only a brief start on fasting and not as the complete "end all" of the subject of fasting. In fact, at the end of our thoughts, we’ve listed some books as resources on fasting. Starting with Bible, these books written by godly men will provide a further resource as you grow to know God better through fasting.


What is fasting?
According to the Encarta Dictionary: English (North America), fasting means: abstention from all or certain types of food, especially as an act of religious observance. In the Hebrew, the word for fasting is tsuwm (Strong’s #6684) which means to cover one’s mouth, to abstain from food. In Greek, nestis (3223 in Strong’s) is the word for fasting and it means not eating, being abstinent from food (religiously), or not having eaten (going hungry).

Why do we fast?
Fasting is a “Spiritual Discipline” which is generally which is often given up or not even considered by Christians because it is “too hard” or at least sounds too hard to do—it’s a discipline after all. Fasting and other spiritual disciplines are nothing more that practices which help us to grow closer to God. They are practices just like shooting free throws or going to the batting cages are practices that prepare us for winning games in sports….and yes, they aren’t always fun or easy, but the reward—the outcome—is so much better than ever expected. I challenge you to compare the outcomes with the disciplines you practice for your favorite sport or performing art (drama, band, choir, etc.).

Adam provides a great summary for fasting:

• We are to humble our selves to the Lord ( Isaiah 58:5 ) We are to fast to basically try to show a sense of breaking ourselves for Christ. (Psalms 35:13) We give up something so that God can be our provider (Matthew 5). We are counting on God. We are giving something up that we "need" and we rely on God to be our provider.
  

I would simply say that the purpose of fasting is to replace food (or whatever) with prayer, worship, silence and solitude in order to hear God and to know Him better.

Here are some quick specific reasons to fast:

• First, you can fast as an individual (2 Samuel 12) or as a community (2 Chronicles 20)—many of the reasons are the same for both. We recommend both!
• Second, you fast for the following general reasons:
  · A regular habit of spiritual and physical cleansing (this was the practice of godly people in the New Testament (see the Gospels, Acts 10:30 & 13:1-4), though the religious leaders abused it. Jesus never condemned the practice, but rather the abuse of it—Matthew 6).
  · A sacrifice unto God (idea of Sabbath or Selah)
  · For the repentance of sin (this is a process in which God shows us our sin and we confess it to Him, then He strengthens us and sends us out to live a different life free of that sin) (2 Samuel 12; Joel 2).
  · In order to seek God’s will on an issue such as a decision to be made (Acts 13:3), a crisis to get through (2 Chronicles 20; Psalm 35), to intercede for someone (2 Samuel 12; Esther 4:16), etc.)
  · In mourning (2 Samuel 12).
  · A lifestyle (Isaiah 58:6-12)
  
  

Then, here are some practical suggestions (not all of these are Bible based, but are from those who have practiced this):

Adam says:

• You should give up something that you need. Not something that you want. I think it is more effective. Don't go too long of periods. During these times be in CONSTANT prayer and communication with Christ. You are very VERY vulnerable when you are fasting. Tell only your close group of friends. Don't go though the streets spreading the word that you are fasting to make your self look good (Matthew 6:16 all of Matthew 6).

Good stuff—and more inspirational that my comments, but here are some more practical things:
· If you are fasting food, remember, that the goal is to spend the time you would normally spend eating praying and worship with God. Fasting, but not spending time with God is, well, pointless. If you are fasting for a longer period of time and are socially required or your business requires lunch with someone, do so, but try to get out of it.
· If you’ve never fasted before, start small—like one meal. Fasting is a shock to your system; you need to ease into it. Even after you have gotten into the regular practice of fasting, a longer fast (more than a couple of days) should involve your doctor’s advice. Youth who are fasting need to be cautious because you are in the prime of your bodies’ growth and there is a reason you usually want to eat so much. Fasting can be dangerous as a teenager. If you have health issues (Boucher does and relies on protein shakes to keep his blood sugar where it should be), maybe fast solid foods, or go on a juice fast (just drink juices), or something.
· Your brain power and physical strength WILL BE AFFECTED by fasting. Don’t fast the day of a game or test.
· How do you interact with others when you fast?

• o Do not boast about it or look miserable. This is to be personal and private (unless it is a public/group fast—still, it isn’t something to brag about)—see Matthew 6.
  o Lack of food makes you cranky and, frankly, may make you have bad breath or smell bad. The longer you fast, the more your body reacts and expels poisons (this is actually good, but not if you are trying to get a date!).
  o Let those closest to you know—especially if you are starting something new or going a long period of time—so they can watch out for you and also so they can understand why you aren’t eating or why you are cranky.
  o Let your parents know. They should support you, but if they don’t, that may have to be the part of the sacrifice or the submission to parental authority (they might say “no”).
  o Have an accountability partner—especially when you first start. Someone you can trust to not say anything to others, maybe someone else who’s fasting or someone you respect who will keep it quiet. Make sure you don’t do this to brag, though!
  

Take your Bible and journal with you wherever you go. Write down what God tells you. The reason you are fasting is to hear from Him, you need to remember it later.

I’m excited that you are considering fasting. DO IT! See how God responds! Remember Jesus’ statement to His disciples “these things only come out with prayer and fasting”. Great things happen, but sometimes, we have to do tough things to be ready for them and to be surrendered to His power!

The big idea here is to seek God. Remember He said, Cry out to Me and I will answer and will tell you amazing things that you did not know! (Jeremiah 33:3).

Here are some other resources on fasting. Some of them are entire books just dedicated to fasting. Others are AWESOME books on the spiritual disciplines and have only a chapter on fasting.
· Tony Jones’ “The Sacred Way”
· John Ortberg’s “The Life You’ve Always Wanted”
· Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline”
· Jack Hayford’s “Living the Spirit Formed Life”
· John Piper’s “A Hunger for God”