Why Should Christians Fast?

Pastor Rene M. Charest

 

 

  • What is Biblical Christian Fasting?

    Biblically speaking , fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sex or other
    distractions to focus a ‘specific’ time on spiritual growth. It is the
    discipline of denying our flesh to glorify God, awakening our spirit and
    re-energizing our prayer life.
    Fasting exercises our spiritual muscles. The word “Disciple” implies
    discipline. Just like lifting weights, fasting makes us spiritually stronger.
    It is not a work but an act of submission and obedience to our Creator.
    Even Jesus practiced a 40-day fast. (Matthew 4:2) “After fasting forty
    days and forty nights, he was hungry.”) This fast gave Jesus the
    strength to stave off Satan’s attacks.

 

  • Is Prayer An Important Part Of Fasting?

    Fasting and prayer are an important combination and provide the
    greatest benefit for this discipline. Acts 14:23 says: “Paul and Barnabas
    appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and
    fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
    Luke 2:37 says: “She never left the temple but worshiped night and
    day, fasting and praying.” And Luke 5:33 says: “John’s disciples often
    fast and pray,”.

 

  • Is Fasting An Excuse To Lose Weight?

    Spiritual fasting should not be a dieting method, even though it is
    possible to lose a few pounds if caloric intake is reduced. Fasting
    includes temporarily removing anything that interferes with your
    spiritual connection to God, His Word and the voice of the Holy Spirit.
    Today, social media and the constant noise of our online culture steals
    our quiet time with God and hinders our spiritual acuity to hear the
    voice of God and obey His commands.

 

  • Should You Tell Others You Are Fasting?

    Yes, but only to share the goodness of God not the suffering of yourself.
    Matthew 6:16-18 gives clear instructions: “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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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.”

 

  • Does Fasting Make Me A Better Christian?

    Ultimately, living a life for God is one of servanthood. Isaiah said it
    wisely in Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to
    loosen the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the
    oppressed free and break every yoke?” The entire chapter of Isaiah 58
    explains the benefits of fasting and prayer; it honors God and
    revitalizes our souls.

 

 

Happy Fasting!!!