Fasting- What is it?
Posted by Shane Pionkowski on January 27, 2014
During the month of February, we are calling the church to fast one day a week for the month of February. As we have done the last few years, we are calling the church to fast for 4 Wednesdays in the month of February starting February 5th. Many people have never heard of the idea of fasting much less taken part. With that said, here is some background on what fasting is and how it can be used to draw closer to God:
Fasting- What is It?
Fasting is the abstaining of some good thing (most often food and/or drink) for a time period in order to devote oneself to God. Fasting is often combined with times of prayer as a way to devote oneself to God.
Fasting – In the Bible
As we transition to the New Testament, it is helpful to note that fasting is not commanded in the New Testament. There are many direct commands throughout the gospels and letters of the New Testament, but fasting is not one of them. With this said, although it is not commanded, fasting is spoken of often and many times it is assumed that from time to time followers of Christ will fast. At one point, when Jesus is asked why disciples do not fast, he plainly tells them that his disciples will fast when he leaves the earth. Jesus was sure that his disciples would fast.
Matthew 9:14-15
Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Other times fasting is mentioned in the New Testament are Matthew 6:16, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23, and 1 Corinthians 7:5.
Purpose of Fasting
When Jesus was on the earth, his disciples did not fast. When Jesus returns and we are with him, we will not fast. This gives us insight on the purpose of fasting. Fasting exists because we are not yet with Jesus. Fasting should come from a longing to be closer and have deeper relationship with God while we are not physically with Him. There are very practical ways that fasting creates deeper relationship with God. Once a God-given pleasure such as food is voluntarily removed for a time, it is constant reminder of the giver of all gifts and a reminder of the necessity of the giver. Also, if fasting is combined with seeking God in prayer, the hunger caused by fasting can remind the faster to seek God in prayer. This is obviously not meant to be an exhaustive explanation of fasting, but a general overview.
What Fasting Is Not
There are 3 main pitfalls that I can see regarding fasting that bear mentioning.
1. Fasting is not a means to earn acceptance from God
Luke 18 tells of a Pharisee that was excited because of all that God had allowed him to do and was basing his acceptance from God on his works. One of which was fasting twice a week. Jesus explains in Luke 18:14 that this Pharisee, despite his twice a week fasting, was not justified before God
2. Fasting should not be done to distinguish yourself as a good Christian to others
Matthew 6:16-18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
3. Fasting is not an arm twisting of God for Him to answer your prayer
This is probably the most subtle of issues that can arise. The chain of events can go like this. We have a prayer need. We’ve decided to not only pray, but to pray and fast to seek God’s guidance. When the answer does not come as expected, we feel cheated because we were really devoted to God and he didn’t fulfill his end of the bargain.
Fasting must be done in an attitude of humility as we seek guidance and direction from an all-knowing, all-wise God. God, in His wisdom, may choose to withhold what we think we need or answer in an unexpected way.
Why Call Bend City to Fast
As we are entering our a new year, once again (as always) we are needing direction and wisdom from the Lord for 2014. God blessed us in many ways in 2013 and we expect that He will do much more in 2014. God is good, so we can expect more!
As we individually fast, please ask God to give specific direction for us as a church, such as effective ways to reach our community. As an example, last year we had numerous people during the fasting month say they felt Bend City should start a youth ministry. Later on in 2013, we were able to take this step as plans were made and leaders stepped up to lead the new group. We believe God made his plans clear and then put the pieces in place for it to happen.
Fasting- The Practice
A biblical fast was to not eat and/or drink for the time that was devoted to seeking God. Since the goal is closeness to God, fasting other good things such as entertainment or certain foods can also suit the goal. If you feel called to fast from a certain food or only eat certain foods or fast from entertainment, etc., that is excellent and you should be obedient to your Godly conviction. Many people will likely skip breakfast and lunch and then eat together with their family for dinner. Remember, the goal is closeness with God, not how much can I resist proving I am Godly.
Looking forward to seeking God with you for His glory and seeing what God has planned for us as a church in 2014.
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