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| Lead Pastor Cory & Richelle Smithee |
Why should I fast?
1. Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
2. Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
3. Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
4. Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
5. Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
6. Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
7. Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
8. Do you desire to know God's will for your life?
Fasting
Fasting is one of the most neglected of truths taught in the Bible. In fact, it was ignored for so long that at one time it was difficult to find information on how to properly fast according to those truths. Back in the early 80’s when I felt the need to start fasting it was hard to find information on the nature of a Biblical fast, how to start, what to expect physically and spiritually, and how to terminate a fast.
I have in no way put together in this first part of this blog a comprehensive document on fasting. However, what I have done is put together a simple and practical blog to answer some of your questions about fasting and ease any concerns you might have.
By following some basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and rewarding:
How to Begin- Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read your Bible.
Preparing Spiritually- Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Make Your Commitment- Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14, 15).
Ø For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:
· How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts.)
· The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).
· What physical or social activities you will restrict.
· How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word.
· Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.
Ø The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Un-confessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
· Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
· Confess every sin that comes to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
· Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3, 4).
· Make restitution as God leads you.
· Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14, 15.
· Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1, 2).
· Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
· Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
· Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17).
ü Prepare Physically- Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
· Do not rush into your fast.
· Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
· Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
· Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
· Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.
· Limit your activity.
· Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
· Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
· Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
· Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.
· The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
ü Put Yourself on a Schedule- For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
