Another christian question?

Question

Hi. I am wondering how to do a christian fast from food. I really believe i should know what i am doing so i dont get ill. How long of time do you think i should do? what are the benefits? Just gimme all the info you can find about it. I would really like to know HOW to do it and What are the benefits

Answer 1

Finally an honestly good question. :)

It's really not about food. It's about spending your time focusing ONLY on God, praying, getting in the word, etc, for a set period of time. In many cases, this means not eating.

I've fasted before, and gotten amazing results.

It's all about your faith; your heart will determine what you get out of it.

Expect God to perform a miracle and he will.

This mountain shall be removed!

If its your first time, just do it for a day, when you have a day off or something.

But above all, EXPECT God to work in your life! That's what faith is!

Answer 2

Fasting can be a really helpful aid to prayer. It's all about pushing into the fact that we depend on (and long for) God more than anything else. It can be really powerful in seeing breakthrough on things you despirately want to see either in your life or in someone else's life.
However it's important that you know the difference between this and hunger strike. Fasting must be about a loving intimate relationship with God - not getting his attention in order to get him to do something.

If you've had any problems with eating disorders or have any health issues you should obviously check it out with your Doctor first. If it is an issue you could fast from just one thing that you feel you depend on (eg coffee, TV, etc and do it for a longer period of time)

If you're starting a food fast. I would do it from one evening to the next (and eat both evening meals). Make sure you drink plenty of water and if you're starting out you might like to carry some fruit juice around with you too.

The biggest thing that people often forget is to make the most of this time in prayer. So if I were you I would pick a day where you can make lots of slots to get by yourself with God and pray. Plan a few things you could do to pray creatively with him. Go for a walk and talk ask him to show you his character revealed in creation, start a prayer journal, paint a picture of what you want God to do for you (all this is prayer), put on a christian CD and sing along in your room, read or listen to a book of the Bible like the gospel of John (or a psalm if you haven't got time for a whole book), light a candle to remind yourself that this is your special prayer time, put on a Christian CD and pray outloud to God over the music, etc, etc, etc... do whatever you're passionate about!

And don't beat yourself up if you end the fast early or something (remember following Jesus is all about grace)

Really hope you meet with our powerful God through this!
Prayers,
grace

Answer 3

Fasts do not "move" GOD they move you. A fast is a great way to get closer to GOD. Anytime we deny the flesh for the things of GOD we are doing ourselves and others a favor.
First thing.....ask GOD to reveal to you if HE would like for you to fast a certian thing. The fast of food is only one type of fast. You can fast from the computer or tv or some favorite activity. There is the Daniel fast also. On this type of fast a person would eat only fruits and veggies. No preservitives no sugar, bread,meat or milk products. The Daniel fast is usually for 21 days. This is patterened after the fast that Daniel and the Hebrew men took while in captivity.
When you fast you should not tell ppl that you are fasting. You want the reward to come from GOD not man.
A person can also fast their words. One can make a concious effort to not allow any idle speech come out of their mouth. It is harder than you think but worth it.
Read "THE POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYER" by Mahesh Chavada (not sure of the sp. on that) it is a very good book on the subject. My son fasted for forty days. He is in the ministery. One would drink fruit and vegatable juices and water. My son did that for the first twenty days then only water for the last twenty. I really think you should be called by GOD to this type of fast though. Fasting is actually good for your physical body also. It helps get the toxins out of your body.
Also on the Daniel fast one dosen't drink any caffine or carbonated drinks. Our Church just did a Daniel fast. Most of the Church did it for seven days but many are doing the full 21 days.
Talk to your Pastor and your parents (if you are under age 18) about fasting. If your parents are not saved thought just talk to your Pastor about it at first.

Answer 4

We are "called" to Fast by God, not pick and choose when to Fast on our own accord. During a Fast the Lord reveals areas where we need to change, areas where we've grown, and much more. It is a time of prayer, deep meditation, learning, and correction.

Most of all, Fasting is a private matter between the Believer and God. It IS an act of obedience. When you are "called" to Fast, the Lord will provide the answers you seek, and it will not be necessary to ask humans how to fast.

Of course the above is regarding spiritual Fasting, and not fasting for physical or dietary reasons. A sure sign that one has not been "called" to Fast by God, is when they announce it publically, or feel the need to let everyone know they are fasting.

Matthew 6:16-18 "Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret" I hope this helps. Miji

Answer 5

Christian Fasting - What is it?
What is Christian fasting? Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life.

Christian Fasting - Focus Deeper on God
Christian fasting isn't some kind of a "work" that's commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn't mean that fasting isn't recommended as a part of our spiritual growth. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish our flesh, but to focus on God.

Fasting should not be considered a "dieting method" either. We shouldn't fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Yes, anyone can fast. Some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example), but everyone can temporarily give up something in order to focus on God. Even unplugging the television for a period of time can be an effective fast.

Yes, it's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The only Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18).

Christian Fasting - A Lifestyle of Servant Living
Christian fasting is more than denying ourselves food or something else of the flesh - it's a sacrificial lifestyle before God. In Isaiah 58, we learn what a "true fast" is. It's not just a one-time act of humility and denial before God, it's a lifestyle of servant ministry to others. As Isaiah tells us, fasting encourages humility, loosens the chains of injustice, unties the chords of the yoke, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. This concept of fasting isn't a one day thing - it's a lifestyle of servant living for God and others.

"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am' (Isaiah 58:8-9).