Fasting

In our discussion a few weeks ago, we touched on the subject of fasting. This is excerpt is from the book A Journey to Victorious Praying by Bill Thrasher and printed by Moody Press.

What is Fasting?

Richard Foster defines fasting as the "voluntary denial of a normal function for an intense activity." In the Bible the reference is primarily to eating, but Scripture also mentions temporarily abstaining from the physical relationship in marriage (1 Corinthians 7:5) and from sleep (2 Samuel 12:16; Daniel 6:18).

In other words, the Bible's emphasis is on fasting from food but it refers to a broader use of abstinence from other things. In some cases, these things can knowingly or unknowingly become a substitute for God. Therefore, one might benefit from a media fast, or fasting from such things as recreational shopping. The purpose of all such abstinence in the words of Norwegian theologian O. Hallesby is to "to loosen to some degree the ties which bind us to the world or material surroundings as a whole in order that we may concentrate all our spiritual powers upon the unseen and eternal things." The abstinence is not to be an end in itself but rather for the purpose of being separated to the Lord and to concentrate on godliness. This kind of fasting reduces the influence of our own self-will and invites the Holy Spirit to do a more intense work in us.

There is nothing meritorious in fasting in the sense that through it one earns something from God. Christ's death on the cross earned for us every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). Every spiritual discipline should rest on the foundation of Christ's finished work. However, fasting can be a discipline that seeks to experience the life of victory that Christ has purchased for us. When one fasts from food, a greater amount of blood, ususally needed for digestion, is available for mental and spiritual concentration. As Neil Anderson says, "Eating is the grand-daddy of all appetites. Fasting is a commitment to bring about self-denial and overcome every other conceivable temptation." It is response to the Lord to seek Him and abstain from food or another normal activitiy to make your whole heart available to Him.


Question: What can we abstain from this coming week so that you can make your whole heart available to our Lord Jesus Christ?