This is a re-post from this date last year………really been on my mind.
What is a Fast? Huh?
What is a Fast? Huh?
Matthew 6:16-18 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Have you ever heard of Fasting? It has not been but a few short years ago that I had not either. Since then my eyes have been opened to a way to draw closer to God. There are mixed views on Fasting in today’s religions; but I personally attest of the power of extended Fasting. A Fast is simply denying yourself the pleasure of food as a means to draw closer to God. There are daily Fasts also, but they lack the benefit of the cleansing of an extended Fast. It takes a 7-10 days for your body to purge all the preservatives that are in everything you put into your body daily. Matthew Henry said, “It is an act of self-denial, and mortification of the flesh, a holy revenge upon ourselves, and humiliation under the hand of God. The most grown Christians must hereby own, they are so far from having any thing to be proud of, that they are unworthy of their daily bread. It is a means to curb the flesh and the desires of it, and to make us more lively in religious exercises, as fulness of bread is apt to make us drowsy.” Once you get over the withdrawals, that is where you find God.
Fasting was a large part of the culture at the time of Christ. Very ritualistic, religious Fasts set on calendars as part of ceremonies. Private Fasting was done also, but many of the Pharisee’s would draw attention to themselves during these Fasts, and that was what Christ was condemning. A private Fast is just between you and God. In Matthew 6, much is spoke about the private time with God and the rewards that come of it. Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Prayer is a central theme in Fasting and where you go when the hunger pains come. You will naturally draw closer to God as a result of the increase in prayer to Him. Your sensitivity to God and the things of God will become heightened; you will see many things in a different light.
We have all heard the scripture of faith and prayer that can move mountains. Prior to that scripture, Christ had just freed a child of a demon spirit that His disciples were not able to do. Christ had rebuked them for their lack of faith. Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” If you have a mountain in your life, consider a Fast to draw closer to God for that ability to move that which seems immoveable.
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