BrendaHubbard

What is Fasting: 

Fasting is abstaining from eating for a period of time. Fasting is an outward expression of an inward commitment to pursue God. When you fast, you slow down to hear from God. Fasting can take various forms and last different lengths of time. Christian Fasting is always combined with prayer. (national.cc)

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their Fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.” Matthew 6:16. 

Jesus mentioned when you fast, assuming we would do it willingly and part of this journey as his followers. He clearly states what to do and how to approach Fasting. Fasting is beneficial whether one does a partial or a complete fast. A partial can be for a set time, then food can be incorporated, or specific foods can be chosen during that time. For an example, read Daniel 10:2-3. A complete fast is when you go without food for a period of time. When one does a complete fast, proceed with caution and wisdom. Considering one is healthy or consent from a Doctor has been given unless the Lord is leading you to do such fast. 

“But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Matthew 6:17. 
“Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:18. Fasting can be done corporately with others or alone, but even when done with others, it is not a time to boast or tell others about it so they can feel sorry for you or make yourself look better than others because you are fasting. Approach Fasting with a humble heart and sincerity. 

Why do it:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. II Corinthians 10:3-5.
Believers and followers of Jesus Christ tend to underestimate a disguised army that has been around for centuries. It is a strategic, deceptive, and misleading army that will confuse a person as to why a person would come against another and be capable of the unbelievable to witness their downfall and destruction with no remorse. That is because like a puppet with strings attached to it that moves when the person controlling it moves, so is a human being controlled by another entity much more powerful than themselves. 

What is that entity, you may ask? Well, they come in many different names that humans believe are just words in the English language. But those words have evil personalities looking for bodies to dwell in. Some of their names are Spirit of Bitterness, Rebellion, Control, Jealousy, Nervousness, Doubt, Pride, Fear, Grief, Pain, and so many others, to name a few. For more on these names, check out the book Pigs in the Parlor: The Practical Guide to Deliverance by Frank and Ida Mae Hammond. The book has many tools to equip the body of Christ to walk in this freedom. 

 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12. 
In this verse, God states we are not fighting human beings itself. There is another force, also known as demons/satan’s army, behind that person working overtime to wreak havoc on their life. But we are not to be afraid because God has defeated the devil and has given us the power to fight back. 
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19. 

Fasting helps you fight spiritually and defeat the works of the devil. It enables you to obtain breakthroughs and revivals in areas where you’ve felt defeated or hindered. It may take multiple fasts, but the key is not to give up. Keep going until you feel freedom in that area. “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and Fasting.” Matthew 17:21.
 In a war, there are unique weapons for exceptional circumstances. The same applies spiritually, and the best part is that God tells us which weapons to use when others haven’t worked. Be determined to walk in victory no matter what. God can lead you to make a decision to fast to get closer to him and hear from him. It is another way to petition Him in prayer for specifics in your life, like healing, deliverance, or breakthrough. 

The benefits:

 F.R.E.E.D.O.M! Freedom in Christ is the biggest and best benefit when done and completed with the proper heart posture. You can experience a level of humility like no other. When I went through my first complete fast, which meant drinking only water for 21 days, it felt like I had unlocked another level of humility. Every time my husband would ask me how I was feeling at that moment, half of the time, my response was humbled. Nothing humbles you like putting aside food to get closer to God intimately. 

A breakthrough occurred during that fast. God delivered me with the help of my husband of a handful of demons that were hindering my walk and trying to keep me on a mental roller coaster. Mind you; I had no idea I was still dealing with things. I thought they were part of my personality, but that is precisely what the enemy wanted me to believe. Intimacy with God, revelation, spiritual revival, breakthrough, healing, and deliverance are just a few of the benefits of Fasting. I am a living witness that if I can experience freedom, so can you. Please do not put it off for another day. If you need more help on this topic, check out Isaiahsaldivar.com. There, he offers a map of people who are in your area that can help. Another great book I recommend is Fasting for Breakthrough & Deliverance by John Eckhardt. 

“Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with Fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:3. 
Here we have the story of Daniel, who went to God in prayer and Fasting, pleading for God to move on his behalf. Because of this, God was with him, which caused even the king to acknowledge the God Daniel served. 
“Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! “Daniel 3:28. 

Every season has a time for sacrifice, and the book of Esther was no exception. A decree had been ordered against her people, but she trusted in her God and moved forward in faith. “Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:15-16.
Esther understood the risk she was taking, but she also knew she was in that position for such a time as this. We are all in a place in time for a purpose, even when it doesn’t make sense. Trust God wholeheartedly in every area of your life and watch him show up like never before. 
“And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.” Esther 8:17. 

The Bible repeatedly mentions men and women of God who commit to prayer and Fasting for breakthrough, revival, and healing. Sometimes, God answers their prayers; other times, He does not because they might not align with his plans.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11. 

How to start: 

Before you begin, know that spiritual resistance is normal and part of the journey of Fasting. Your flesh will not be happy when you restrict yourself from indulging in some of your favorite foods. Commit that you will start and finish before you begin. Begin slowly incorporating fasting into your lifestyle one day a week; then, you can increase it to a few days a week, once a month, and so on. Why are you deciding to fast? Write out what it is you are petitioning God about. These tips have been what has helped me during my fasting experiences. In the past few months, I have discovered that Fasting and Deliverance are essential in a believer’s lifestyle. Fasting brings humbleness, reverence, and thanksgiving to the God we serve. It equips you to walk in the fruits of the spirit. It brings an open reward from God. 

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for guiding me as I continue writing down every idea, scripture, and experience for my fellow brothers and sisters on the other side of this screen. Father, I pray that you bless them and speak to them like never before, that this blog gives them a different perspective and understanding of the importance of Fasting, and that they recommit to trusting and believing in a God who loves them and wants to have a personal relationship with them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.