Table of Contents
Fasting
Fasting is vital for all Christians. According to Acts 27:33-34, Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”
Brethren we were created to do good works and the good works Jesus spoke of in Mathew 25: 40 includes taking care of the poor. You can’t become poor by giving to the poor instead the more you give the more you receive (Proverbs 19:17).
If one’s heart is right before God, then that one will take care of the poor; alternatively, if one is not taking care of the poor, then it is obvious there is a heart-problem (Proverbs 28:27).
We are going to relive Isaiah 58: 6-11 Whereby we are going to fast like the prophets and apostles of old. So, please look around for the needy and bless them generously. You may give them money (but pray first for the money please). You may buy some groceries for them. You may make or buy clothes and other valuable items for them.
By doing so heaven will be so pleased. But our giving should be to earn kingdom rewards Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.
Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Choose The Best Type Of Fasting To Embark On.
10 Different Types of Fasts Mentioned in the Bible.
There are many types of examples of fasting which were conducted in the Bible for various reasons by various people for different lengths of time. So that is why I will present to you a few of those fasting’s here so that you can make informed decision which would suit your needs when you want to fast;
- The Daniel’s King’s Fast (A 1-day Fast) Daniel 6:18 and Judges 20:26, to seek direction from the Lord. You can do it between sunrise to sunset or the whole night. It’s without food or drink
- The Esther or Jonah Fast (A 3-day fast) Esther 4:16 ; 5:2 and Jonah 3:6-9, to seek God for wisdom, discernment, protection, and guidance. It’s without food or drink
- The King Saul’s Fast (A 7-day fast.) 1 Samuel 31:13. to seek wisdom, seeking comfort from grief, and guidance.
- The Daniel’s 10-Day Fast (A 10-day fast) Daniel 1:5-21 , Daniel 1:11-12, to seek God for his favor, strength, good health, wisdom, purpose, and discernment. You only eat vegetables and drink water.
- Paul’s Fast (A 14-day fast) Acts 27:33-34 to seek God for protection and wisdom.
- Daniel’s 21-Day Fast (A 21-day fast.) Daniel 10:13, 14 in times of distress and mourning. Here you don’t eat meat, pleasant foods, and oils. You eat only Fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and drink water. It’s the most common form of fasting.
- The Moses, Elijah or Jesus Fast (A 40-day fast.) There are only three 40-day fasts in the Bible. We see that each of them was divinely appointed and touched by God for this type of fast. As for Moses he neither ate nor drank water. (Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 9: 9, 9: 18 ). As for Elijah he ate and drank heavenly food and then was sustained by it (1 Kings 19:7-8 ). As for Jesus, he fasted food for 40 days (Matthew 4:1, 2). You need to have heard clearly from God because many people have lost their lives trying to do this kind of fast.
- The Nehemiah’s Fast ( A Many days Fast-uncertain number of days) Nehemiah 1:4 to seek God for wisdom, protection, understanding, and favor. You might continue fasting until the problem is solved by God in his own time. It’s not clear how long they fasted and when they ate and what they ate or drank. So be careful when undertaking this fast.
- Isaiah’s Fast (A Many days Fast– uncertain number of days) Isaiah 58:6 when you want to see strongholds and addictions broken. What I mean by addictions is I don’t only refer to sex, drugs, or alcohol. It could be social media, Tv, shopping, partying, clubbing, etc. mainly whatever takes your time and focus away from God. It’s not clear how long they fasted and when they ate and what they ate or drank. So be careful when undertaking this fast.
- The Apostle’s or Disciple’s Fast (A Many days Fast– uncertain number of days) Acts 13:2, 14:23 to seek God for heavenly wisdom, instruction, and power. It’s not clear how long they fasted and when they ate and what they ate or drank. So be careful when undertaking this fast.
How Do I Apply These Fasts In The Bible To My Life Today?
The Bible reminds us in the Books of 1 Corinthians 10:11, that “All these things happened to them as examples for others, and they were written down as a warning for us. All this was written in the Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days.” so these are examples, instructions, to strengthen us, encourage us and empower our walk with Christ Jesus. Not just for our comfort, but so that we might be strong in the Lord, in the power of His might, and be able to be that Light in the dark world we find ourselves living in.
Fasting with the right spirit, for the right reasons, truly does get God’s attention. We don’t do it to be seen or heard or to make ourselves something we are not. It is all about Jesus, and when the glory goes to Him, we receive heaven’s best.
Incase you want to learn more about what fasting is and what it isn’t click the link below to be redirected to respective pages:
Proven prayers Destroy Every Demonic Fasting Now. – 2022 (mtmchurch.org)
Pastor Nathaniel
