What Every Christian Should Know About Fasting

fsting

Fasting is not an option. If you are a Christian, fasting should be part of your Christian walk. If you have never fasted, I highly suggest you do it. However, before your fast, there a few things you should know.

1. Not everyone is ready for 25 days on water.

When I was in my early 20’s, I could fast for three days (water only) with relative ease. But, my diet was also a wreck so I had extra fat reserves. Now that I’m healthier, older, thinner and have a child,  I’m ready to fall on the floor the second day of water fasting. My husband, on the other hand, could fast 25 days on water with ease, but he’s also a superhero which is another story. I felt guilt about my inability to fast for long periods until I watched Marilyn Hickey speak on fasting.  She explained that three day water fasts don’t work out well for her either, so she lives a fasted life. Each day she foregoes a meal or two. I made a commitment to live a fasted life.

2. A fast from television is NOT a Biblical fast.

With that said, everyone should fast from tv and technology because many people (including Christians) are addicted. However, Biblical fasts always involves food – it never involves entertainment.

3. When you fast you should avoid tv commercials.

The only thing that you’ll see on television during fasts are burgers and pizza. Also, people will invite you to birthday parties and dinner parties. A million people will call you at once to invite you to eat. This happens to me every time I fast. Don’t fall for it. Be socially prepared for fasting and prepare to turn invitations down because whatever you are doing for God is more important than what you were going to do with friends or family.

4. The devil will throw the kitchen sink at you when you fast.

My husband and I went on a forty day fast together several months ago, and the spiritual warfare was intense from day one!! It’s not uncommon to encounter spiritual warfare during a fast – be prepared – wear the armor of God. God knows you are fasting for His glory and He will help you.

5. Fasting breaks chains, demolishes strongholds, and it sets people free.

Fasting provides revelation – fasting can give you answers. Fasting is one of the most beautiful and powerful weapons God has given us. Use fasting to your advantage.

5 Promises We Need to Make to Ourselves

Via Unsplash
Via Unsplash

Below are five promises that we need to make to ourselves…

I promise myself that I won’t stay discouraged. We all go through times where we feel discouraged in life, but the trouble starts when we stay that way. Stay motivated, hopeful, and keep faith in God.

I promise myself to use ‘no’ and ‘yes’ responsibly. Life becomes less chaotic when you can learn to say “no” to the things that rob you of your energy and peace. The word “Yes” is equally as powerful. “Yes, I need help.” “Yes, I want that.” “Yes, I do mind.” Use “yes” and “no” responsibly.

I promise myself I will do my part in this world. Our part in this world is quite simple – it’s to love others extravagantly. What would the world look like if people chose love? Yeshua said that all the law hangs on two commandments. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

I promise myself I will be true to myself. Be honest. Be transparent. Be authentic. Don’t shed your unique personality or dreams because of the opinion of others.

I promise myself I will show myself a good time. Many people miss out on amazing experiences because they are too shy or afraid to try something new. Choose to create new memories. Travel, explore, make friends, take lots of pictures, do things that you love. Step out of your shell and live.