BLESSINGS IN FASTING: A Simple Teaching of Meaning and Prospects of Scriptural Fasting

Job said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lip; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food”—Job 23: 12. Fasting is not religious tradition; it is a spiritual discipline for followers of Christ (even though we see other religion practicing one form of fasting or the other). When or if we turn fasting to tradition, we become like Pharisees and religious people, missing the power, potency, and prospects of fasting. Fasting is a way to walk and work with God with a purpose and focus on God. Fasting can bring about reduction or removal of distractions to spiritual activities. Fasting is simply abstaining from food and drinks for spiritual and physical purposes. Fasting is a way of denying the body some legitimate and pleasurable things for some reasons. Examples of such denial include, not watching TV, reading Newspaper, not going to movie or favorite games, doing night vigil (denying yourself of sleep), reduction in what you eat and drink, limiting social activities. Fasting is afflicting spirit and souls to be able to communicate with God effectively. Fasting is your extension of soul to the hungry—pray and ministering to them. Fasting is satisfying the afflicted soul— when you soul is tormented or afflicted, you can fast and pray for revival and restoration. Fasting is an act of faith of waiting upon the Lord to obtain his promises and good testimonies. Fasting is not what we do during the tradition yearly Lent period. It should be an integral part of our life to be done purposefully, intentionally, and regularly.