“…WHEN YOU FAST, put oil on your head and wash your face…” (Matt. 6:17)
When we fast, we willingly deprive the body of nourishment and the pleasurable taste of food. The body requires food for sustenance; therefore, our hearts and minds must be totally focused and directed towards God so that He may be the FULL SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH during our period of fasting.
- COMPLETE OR TOTAL FAST:
Moses (Exodus 34:28), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:7). In each of these cases people went for extended periods of time without food or water. This type of fasting should only be done with specific direction from God.
- NORMAL FAST:
The normal fast is without food, drinking water only. (Matthew 4:1-4) Jesus went on a 40 day fast and afterwards was hungry not thirsty.
- DANIEL FAST:
It’s a partial fast where some foods are eaten while others are restricted. “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given VEGETABLES TO EAT AND WATER TO DRINK.” (Dan. 1:12)
We should seek the Lord about how He would have us do a fast. Fasting brings about awesome results because it shows the Lord that we are serious about or relationship with Him…
This is our promise for what will happen when we fast: “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)
WANT TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP, GO ON A FAST…
-Bill Stockham