PRACTICALS OF STARTING A FAST

'“But you, when you fast…” (Matthew 6:16)

Starting a fast doesn’t have to look the same way every time. Often, the enemy may try and distract you from connecting with God through fasting by questioning how and why you started the fast in the first place. Therefore, let's discuss the ways to start a fast, so you are more equipped to start connecting with God through fasting.

• Fast to keep your flesh in submission to God. 1 Corinthians 9:27
  • In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul communicates that fasting is something he chooses to do,regardless of any outside factor. He has made up in his mind that fasting keeps his flesh in submission to God and his spirit in authority. We have no reason to believe that Paul only starts a fast when the Holy Spirit tells him to. Rather fasting is a discipline he cultivated regularly to keep His flesh in submission to God.
• Fast when the Holy Spirit calls you to fast. Joel 2:12
  • When the Holy Spirit calls us into a fast, we must obey! In Matthew 4:1, we see that Jesus was “led by the Spirit” to be tempted by the enemy and fast. In Joel 2:12, God calls His people to fast. Though we can fast when we choose, we must leave room for the Holy Spirit to call us into a fast.
• Fast when Godly authority calls you to fast. Esther 4:16
  • There are also biblical instances where we see Church or Christian leaders call us to fast. For example in Leviticus 6:29-31, we see God instruct Moses to call the entire nation of Israel on an annual fast during the day of atonement. Later in Esther 4:16, we see Esther tell Mordecai to call all of the Jews to fast on behalf of her and their freedom.

No matter how you’re called to a fast, remember, it is an expectation of Jesus that His disciples will fast (Matthew 6:16-17). Fasting is about connecting with God. Be diligent and plan your fast.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for the honor to partner with You in fasting. I declare that hard things would become easy in your presence. I give You my entire being. Come and have Your way in me. You have my ears. Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Amen.

APPLICATION

Read through the the scriptures today and ask God the focus for your current or next fast. Trust Him to share the details with you!