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When we abstain from food, we starve the flesh. We choose not to feed our bodies as a way of exercising control and discipline over the bodily (or fleshly) desires that so often become misdirected and lead us away from God.
But fasting is also more than this. Dallas Willard, the great spiritual teacher, defined fasting as “feasting upon God” or “being nourished by God.” While fasting includes abstaining from food to starve the flesh, it also involves communion with God, which feeds and nourishes the soul. Fasting is an incredible opportunity to intensify our spiritual focus as we seek after the Lord. We were made to be more dependent on God even than the food we consume every day. When we fast, we remind ourselves of this dependence and look to God as the one who sustains us.
Fasting’s hunger is a constant companion, a reminder to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5).
Reflection:
Fasting heightens spiritual gifts. All the spiritual gifts—ministry gifts, fruits of the Spirit, and fivefold ministry functions—become more intense for me during a fast.
I normally do not operate in the gift of prophecy or discernment. During a fast several years ago I came into the office and casually asked one of our leaders how he was doing. He replied, ‘Oh, fine,’ but the Spirit alerted me otherwise. I pressed gently, and he admitted his marriage and life were falling apart. Fasting sharpened my discernment, and allowed God’s intervention in that situation so we could walk with him towards restoration.
What gifts might God be intensifying in you through this fast?
读经计划介绍
This fasting guide is meant to accompany a 21-day fast. For each week, we will look first at the example of Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness. Then we will attempt to draw out important biblical teachings to edify our souls as we fast from food and feast on God. The goal of this is to experience for ourselves what it means to live not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
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