Why Fast

Many of us are giving up some of our desires to fast in Lent season. Some of us already have regular times of fasting and prayer. Some of us don’t fast at all. Yet, spiritual fasting is a part of our Christian faith if we want to mature in our walk. Fasting can be a touchy issue because it’s personal and the impacts of fasting are felt immediately. What are the 4 P’s of fasting?

Fast with prayer.
Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ pray more intently with fasting. We know that there are spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits to fasting even for those who reject Jesus. However, if we fast and pray—there is a magnificent work happening in the spiritual realm that we aren’t privy to know. (Daniel 10:10-14)

Fast with purpose.
Fasting out of routine without a direct and purposeful intent—keeps us from experiencing the joy of its results. When we decide to give up food for a certain period of time, we need to keep our purpose front of mind because Satan will give us all kinds of reasons to break the fast. Yet, when it’s driven out of our God-given purpose, we will press our way through it.

Fast with a plan.
It’s easy to begin a fast and not end well. It’s important that we pray and think through what we want to do. We may have to change our schedule to accommodate a time of prayer. Communication with spouses and children helps them understand that fasting may mean we have to pull away for a time.

Fast with prospect.
We aren’t fasting just to give up food for a time. We’re fasting to see results from our spiritual investment. It’s not that we are trying to move God in our favor—He’s already for us. It’s about changing our vision and view of the situations to see as God sees it.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to do better in my times of fasting. Help me to fast with prayer, purpose, a plan, and with the prospect of seeing You change my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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