What is Fasting?

What's the best way to start 2019? Making resolutions? Really?

Most people do but even before January is over they are long forgotten.

My mum fasts at the beginning of the year and I thought, that's just her thing then my pastor spoke about it and I gave it some thought. I even did a one week partial fast when I was doing a certain Bible study and it's not as difficult as it sounds but I must say I haven't fasted again.

As 2018 draws to an end I truly don't want 2019 to start with the same old' goal setting', 'resolution making', 'promises to myself', steps I usually do. Instead I want to start 2019 hearing from God. I want a year where I soar like an eagle with wisdom, peace and gratitude.

So I decided my last post for 2018 would be on fasting. Why fast and how to fast. I actually hadn't read or understood the command in Matthew 6 that says "WHEN" not "IF" you fast. This means I should have fasting as part of my walk with God.

"And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.

Matthew 6:16 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.16.NLT

I hope your 2019 is one that is filled with wisdom, hope, gratitude and love... mostly love as the Bible does say it's the greatest.

So I wish you love in 2019 (1 Cor 13) and I thank you for reading my blog.

Happy New Year.

Yours,

Kittenscushion

Fasting is a gift from God that helps us focus on the Lord, be aligned with His leading, receive power, and have a

deeper relationship with Him. A time of fasting can be healing, eliminate distractions in your life, and help you make significant and wise decisions. Choose the type of fast that is most beneficial to your walk with God.

WHAT IS FASTING?

Fasting is giving up something for a specified number of days for a specific purpose. The type and length of the fast you choose is between you and God, and should not be deter-mined by what anyone else is doing.

Fasting, prayer, and reading God's Word go hand in hand. When you fast, also pray for God's purpose and plan for your life to be revealed. Fast and pray about every major decision in your life.

Simply put, fasting is a way to conquer the physical and open the door to the supernatural in your life. When you deny your body, you feed your spirit and grow closer to the Lord.

WHY FAST?

In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us specific directions on how to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian – giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus said, "When you give"…"when you pray"…"when you fast." He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a nor-mal part of Christian life.

TYPES OF FASTS:

Be sure to consult a doctor before beginning any fast, espe-cially if you have any type of medical condition.

FULL FAST – Drink only liquids—especially water. On this type of fast you may also take in clear broth and 100% fruit and vegetable juices in order to maintain your strength. You establish the number of days for your fast in your prayer time.

PARTIAL FAST – There are many options for partial fasts. Below are just a few for you to select from.

Daniel Fast: The most frequently used example of a partial fast is found in Daniel Chapter 10. The Daniel Fast is a fast from meats, sweets, breads, and any drink, except water, for a specific time period (Daniel 10:2-3). The easiest way to think of this fast is eating only vegetables and fruits, and drinking only water.

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXAMPLES OF OTHER TYPES OF PARTIAL FASTS:

Give up one item of food or drink such as caffeine, coffee, soft drinks, or sweets/desserts.

Give up one entertainment item; TV, movies, internet, etc.

Give up one meal a day for a specific amount of time, one meal a week, etc.

Fast for a specific number of days…one day, three days, and so on.

Choose to fast for a certain amount of time each day, for example 6:00am to 3:00pm or from sunup to sundown.

OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS

What if I have a medical condition?

Consult your doctor be-fore starting any fast. Decide together what is possible. If your health condition prohibits you from fasting food, try fasting something else and concentrate on prayer and Bible study. God knows your heart.

I forgot and ate something that wasn't on my fast; do I need to start again?

No, think of fasting as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Don't give up! If you fall down, get up and keep trying.

Do I continue to exercise while fasting?

For most people moderate exercise is okay. But it is always best to consult a doctor about fasting and exercise. If you are on a complete fast, you may not have the energy for exercise.

SCRIPTURE:

Fasting is found throughout the Bible. Consider some of the following passages:

1) Nehemiah 9:1-5 -Returning to God;

2) Esther 4:12-17 – Asking for God's help ;

3) Psalm 69:9-16 – Humbling yourself before God;

4) Isaiah 58:1-14 – Helping other people;

5) Jeremiah 36:8-10 – Uniting together;

6) Daniel 9:1-6 – Seeking God's mercy;

7) Joel 2:12-13 – Experiencing renewal;

8) Zechariah 8:18-23 -Increasing joy and power;

9) Matthew 6:16-18 – Following Jesus;

10) Luke 2:36-38 – Listening to God;