JESUS FASTED

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. MATTHEW 4:1,2 

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. LUKE 4:14 

Jesus knew He was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill His purposes. Fasting makes us spiritually strong and prepares us to do God’s work.

FASTING IS AN ACT OF HUMILITY AND CONSECRATION

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. EZRA 8:21 

As we humble ourselves, through prayer and fasting, we receive God’s grace and have access to His heart.

FASTING HELPS US BECOME SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ACTS 13:2 

When we deny ourselves of natural cravings and worldly distractions, we become more sensitive to God’s voice. Then we are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. 

FASTING BRINGS REVIVAL

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 

Throughout history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting. Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession. 

FASTING IS HEALTHY

Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. The discipline of fasting helps break unhealthy addictions in our lives.

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” JOSHUA 3:5 

PRAY—Spend time reading the Bible before the fast. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your prayers. 

COMMIT—Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it ahead of time. Write your plan down. Ask God for grace to help you follow through with your decisions. 

NOTE: Everyone’s fast will look different. Some will fast 7 days of no food. Others will fast TV and social media. Others will do a mixture of fasting food some days and media other days. As you pray for what God wants you to fast make sure whatever you do forces you to spend more time with Jesus and stretch your faith. You get what you put into a fast. Fasting that doesn’t challenge or stretch you leads to little fruit and change. 

ACT—Start eating smaller portions a few days before the fast. Avoid food high in sugar and fat. Plan to limit physical and social activities for the week of the fast. Ask someone to be your prayer partner throughout the fast. 

NOTE: Consult a physician, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. If your situation does not allow you to do a full fast, determine what will work best for you.