In the Bible fasting is brought up many times by many people, prophets, and even the Lord Jesus Christ. There is one required day for fasting for all people, and that day is the Day of Atonement. Fasting is simply a way to get closer to God, to get His attention, to show humility and devotion to the Lord God. If you think about it, you are abandoning the pleasures this world has to offer and you are devoting your mind, your energy to the Creator, Jesus Christ.
This is important for a few reasons, which we’ll detail in the scripture later. Fasting is not just escaping food and drink (even water at times), but it is also the devotion to reading the Word of God. This is because of the Words of Christ where He says, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeded out of the mouth of God (Luke 4 v4).” In my experience, when I fast and spend time reading or meditating on the Words of God, I have no bad craving or hunger.
What Does the Bible say About Fasting?
When Moses went to meet with the Lord, He fasted 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights. When Daniel was reading the book of Jeremiah, he ran into something he did not understand. Instead of coming up with his own interpretation, he set his face to the Lord God, he sought by prayer and fasting (Daniel 9 v3). Eventually, his prayer was answered. If you are going to ask for something from God, according the Word of God, you give yourself a better chance when you fast and pray for it.
Jesus tells us how to fast in Matthew chapter six. In verses 16-18 He says when we fast we are not to walk around looking tired and hungry to show people we are fasting. Instead we need to anoint our heads and look as if we are not fasting; only letting the Father know we are fasting. We learn that fasting is a personal thing, it is a gesture between you or the group you’re fasting with and the Most High God.
When Jesus was asked by some of John the Baptist disciples as why Jesus disciples did not fast, Jesus replied ‘they will when I’m gone’ (Matthew 9 v14-15). They have no need to fast while Jesus was with them. Fasting is a tool, a method to get closer to God, to show humility, devotion, and rejuvenation. When life gets jumbled up and stressed, taking a day to fast and get answers from God, to get power from God, will be very reviving.
Fasting also brings to life the power of God. Jesus rebuked an evil spirit in a child and when His disciples asked Him why they could not do it, He replied, “This kind can come forth by NOTHING, but by prayer and fasting.”
It is a great secret many people do not utilize in order to get closer to God and use His powers to the greater good of your righteous desires, wants, and needs. This is what the Bible says about fasting.
God bless you in Jesus name. Amen
Kwamee Mohammad
BibleStudyMinistry.com
