The Joy of Fasting
Pastor Datha Thomas
We only have to open our Bibles to discover that fasting is not just Biblical but it is very effective spiritually! I think fasting is more important than most Christians realize. I was raised Pentecostal so for my family it was something that we did on a regular basis.
There is something about fasting that opens up the realm of the spirit to believers. It is one of those miraculous actions that releases the power of God into our lives. I believe that fasting is absolutely the way to know the Lord more intimately.
Right after I made the decision to live totally dedicated to God I knew I was to begin a fast. I told the Lord that after I finished my fast I knew that I would have insight into the Word and Him in a greater way than ever before. Truly, that is what happened.
The Greek word for fasting is “nest” which means, “do not eat”. The Bible doesn’t tell us how often but we see that the Word instructs us to make fasting a part of our lives.
Let us go over what God says are the 7 reasons for fasting and the benefits of fasting in Isaiah 58.
7 Reasons For Fasting
To loose the bands of wickedness.
To undo heavy burdens.
To free the oppressed and break the yoke of bondage.
To share food with the hungry.
To provide shelter for the homeless.
To clothe the naked.
To provide for ones family.
When we fast with the right motive, God tells us the most amazing benefits:
Your light shall break forth as the morning.
Your healing shall spring forth speedily.
Your righteousness shall go before you.
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
You shall call and the Lord will answer you shall and He will say, Here I am.
Your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones.
You shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
You shall build up the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations and you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
I want you to read what other great authors have written about fasting and prayer —
“Is fasting ever a bribe to get God to pay more attention to the petitions? No, a thousand times no. It is simply a way to make clear that we sufficiently reverence the amazing opportunity to ask help from the everlasting God, the Creator of the Universe, to choose to put everything else aside and concentrate on worshipping, asking for forgiveness, and making our requests known – considering His help more important than anything we could do ourselves in our own strength and with our own ideas.”
– Edith Schaeffer“Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”
- Andrew Murray“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but laying hold of His willingness”
- Martin Luther
Biblical fasting is always mixed with prayer and truly seeking the Lord. Fasting will produce great joy in approaching God. There will be like a spiritual revival in your life!
— Pastor Datha
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