Thoughts on Fasting

Posted on February 29, 2008
Filed Under Your Faith |

I have been thinking a lot about fasting. I came across this quote today:

It’s not the fast that God blesses, rather God blesses the motive of the heart and the intentions of the heart. I think fasting is an outward tangible expression of what is happening in a man’s heart. I think when a man fasts, he is saying, “I am serious enough about my need and desire to know God and seek God, that I am willing to sacrifice to get an answer from God.” What may seem foolish in the eyes of the lost and some Christians, really honors God. Your ability to sacrifice doesn’t get results, God doesn’t care what you sacrifice, He just wants to see your attitude in your fast.

By Al Henson , Pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee
Source (free online book on fasting)-Fasting Can Change Your Life

It all comes down to our attitude, doesn’t it?

God doesn’t want sacrifice for sacrifice’s sake but looks into the heart and sees the inner motivation. Why are we fasting? If it comes from a heart that is seeking God - God sees and hears and then reaches down and meets with that person.

Awesome! The word is more alive during a fast - it literally jumps of the page at you. Words and verses that you have read a million times in the past become brand new just like you have never heard it before.

I welcome your comments-

Comments

3 Responses to “Thoughts on Fasting”

Deanne on March 5th, 2008 12:31 am

HI Rachel,
Great post on fasting!!! The best book I have ever read on Fasting was “A Hunger for God” by John Piper. He also has articles on his website that deal with fasting (Desiring God). Love Deanne
Michelle Bentham on March 6th, 2008 12:35 am

Hi Rachel,

I got an email with your website in it. I am knew to fasting as a spiritual discipline. Last year I fasted twice for 21 days (Daniel) - the first fast was pure mechanics - filled with trepidation, I really just wanted to see if I could do the thing. I was so focused on the how - I missed the who! Quenched the Spirit right out with my focus.

Later in the Spring, May, our church (a small Baptist church) was in the throws of a very serious crisis. I was distraught over the situation as a ministry leader and I decided to ask the pastor to call a church wide fast. He chose not to do so, but as the leader of women’s ministry I introduced the idea of a fast to the women. We set out on a 21 day journey. I prayed leading into it and looked up many Scriptures in preparation. I listed some things I needed to hear from the Lord about in my own life as well as for my ministry and the church. I began my fast with a strict sense that I needed to do this thing the way God calls me to it, in discipline and truth. I wanted to hear from Him, I needed to hear from Him. I cried out to Him, and He gave me such joy when I would hear my stomach grumble from hunger pains. I limited my food intake and really pressed into Him. By the end I had received three personal breakthroughs and by the end of the month we were released from our membership and ministry obligations at the church - ready to move into a new season at a newer Spirit filled church.

I also received the impression I was to fast for 40 days. I had been studying the period 40 days and found it to be an extreme time of testing and pursuit of the Lord. I did not follow through on that pursuit, I got mired down in a waiting period. However, I had the opportunity to revisit it this past January - I went right into it. I committed fully to the 40 days. I drew in, turning down not only my physical appetites but also the television. I was overwhelmed by the way God responded to my desire to press in for answers about my calling and the waiting season I sensed I was in. God is moving - so moving. He has brought so many people into my life and I am so blessed - and pursuing fully my calling and the truth of His Word each day. It has been a blessing and a season of power in my life. His strength truly is made perfect in my weakness. Thanks for the insight and the opportunity to share! God Bless.
Rachel Larkin on March 6th, 2008 1:04 am

Thanks for your responses guys - wow Michelle what a journey you have been on!!! - I have this year done some very short 24 hour fasts and I have felt led to fast 24 hours once a week. To keep my focus on God and to make sure that I am listening to him.