By nature, fasting is inconvenient. Our natural desire is to eat when we are hungry. We are denying our body this desire when we fast. Matthew 16:24-25 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
I would also like to add that fasting should not be an inconvenience to others. You should not force your family to skip dinner because of your fast. Also, tell only the people who need to know you are fasting. If you must, tell your spouse you are fasting and if you would like your Pastor. Beyond that, tell no one. This happened to me once when I was fasting. I went to a ministry conference in Tucson and the conference had so much food and it smelled delicious. I kept getting offered food but I kept declining. Folks would ask why I would not eat and I just had to tell them I just didn't want to eat. Fasting should be only seen by God. Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus said, “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. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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." I was watching the TV series called A.D. Th Bible Continues and they showed how the Pharisees would fast, tear their garments and put ashes all over their body. But Jesus said to not do that. Look as if everything is normal to the world. Behind closed doors, open yourself to God.
Fasting should be a time of prayer, reading the Bible and refocusing on God. It would also be a great time to ask the Lord to reveal any sins that hinder a more intimate relationship with Him. Confess your sins to the Lord because He promises to be faithful to forgive your transgressions. Prayer should be specific. Some people pray for others while they fast, some pray for their job or business, and for many other reasons, but the main reason is to seek the Lord and get to know Him on a deeper and more intimate level. Here are some other examples of reasons for fasting found in the Bible.
- Fasting to be like Christ - Matthew 4:1-17; Luke 4:1-13
- Fasting to repent from sins - Jonah 3:7-8; 1 Samuel 14:24
- Fasting to mourn for the dead - 1 Samuel 31:13
- Fasting to ask for God's help - Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:4-11
- Fasting to strengthen prayer - Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:17-29; Acts 10:30; 1 Corinthians 7:5
Normal fast -This fast lasted from sunset of one day to sunset of the next as cited in Leviticus 23:26-32. It involves no eating of food, only drinking water. For example, you could start your normal fast sunset on a Saturday and end your fast the next day Sunday at sunset.
Partial fast - Daniel 10:3 "I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled" During a partial fast, you can eat but usually only fruits, vegetable and water. No juices, no caffeine, no artificial sweeteners, no bread, no alcohol, no dairy or highly processed foods are allowed during this type of fast. Since you are allowed to eat, you can go for longer periods of fasting. Daniel fasted for three weeks on a partial fast.
Radical fast - During a radical fast, a person does not eat any food or drink any water or just food for a period of time. It is HIGHLY suggested to seek medical consultation first before attempting a radical fast. Although Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) and Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9-18) both fasted for forty days, this was only done through empowerment from the Holy Spirit. It is not impossible, it can be done. Don't forget that after your fast, S L O W L Y return to your normal diet.
Lastly, in James 5:13 we read, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." If you are cheerful and full of joy, do not fast. Instead be cheerful and sing praises. But if you are suffering, sad, have sin to deal with, a health issue, having trails with family, fasting may flow naturally as a reaction to the trial and your understanding of God's omnipotence. I'd also like to add that fasting is not the sole means of drawing closer to God. The renewing of our mind daily is what draws us closer to Him.
