RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-09-18	What Is the Purpose of Fasting?
		Fasting is intentionally abstaining from food to focus for a period on spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with God. When we fast, we deny our flesh and learn to depend on God. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights (Mt.4:2) in the context of what we call the temptation of Jesus. We often pass over the fasting part to talk about how Jesus quoted Scripture toward the Devil. Fasting is important in Scripture. Fasting is not a method to use to get our prayers answered, though many think it is. That is a theology of works. Though our fasting does not manipulate God in prayer, we should remember fasting is God's idea. The most important thing about fasting is that it is to be done for a purpose. That is it should be done for a Biblical and God-centered purpose. Otherwise it becomes a miserable and self-centered experience. Often someone will say they heard about fasting, so they thought they would try it. When they do not have a Biblical purpose to fast, they talk about the experience as being hungry and thinking they will not do this again. During the fast they keep asking how much time till this is over. This is simply a form of legalism, and self-inflicted endurance hoping God will be impressed. So it is crucial to fast for a Biblical and God-centered purpose. Most of the Biblical reasons to fast are related to prayer. It seems fasting with prayer intensifies our experience. When you properly fast, and you are hungry, you realize why you are hungry. Your next thought reveals your motive for fasting. If you then think how much longer before this is over, you do not have the right motive. If your thought is, I am fasting for this Biblical purpose you are on track. Let's say you are fasting for the purpose of praying for your spouse or the salvation of your child. And throughout the day your stomach aches, and your head hurts, these should remind you to pray for your spouse or child. So the result is that you find yourself praying more than you otherwise would for your spouse. So it is good when you feel hungry because it reminds you to pray. Hunger serves your higher purpose which is to pray for your spouse. Most seem to have a fear of fasting. It really affects our bodies and makes us uncomfortable. Is there ever a time when you want prayer answered more than you want lunch? This is where fasting comes in. You say, I want to pray about something important all day long. So we choose to fast, with the accompanying hunger, as a reminder of this all day long. Some of the other reasons to fast may include, wanting to serve more, or to give more. So you chose to not have lunch. You use your lunch to serve someone. Use your lunch money to give. We should not want to miss the many benefits of fasting for our Christian life. Do not be afraid of fasting! Do not think of fasting as a means to lose weight. That is physical, and not spiritual in purpose. We do not want to ask anyone to fast if it would cause any physical harm. But when there is a will there's a way. When was the last time you fasted for some important spiritual reason? “Pray and fast about it”. Pun intended! Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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