Hey, Girl hey and welcome back to Ashley En Vogue. I know there are certain topics we really enjoy talking about as Christians. The fruits of the Holy Spirit; Godly Relationships or the Strong and amazing women in the Bible. But today we are going to talk about a not so popular topic: Fasting.
I know I know. no need to close this tab and move on with your life just now because I believe that there are some major keys to Prayer and Fasting. Next week I am going to fast and pray to build intimacy with God and I would love for you to join me.
You might be saying; " Okay Ashley, I'll read my Bible, I'll go to church and I'll pray regularly but don't come for my food." If you're not convinced about joining me in my fast I'd like to discuss some truths and benefits about fasting that should hook you in.
1. Fasting goes with Prayer
This is the first thing I ought to tell you about fasting. It's not a diet. Fasting and prayer go together like peanut butter and jelly. Fasting without prayer is starving yourself. The reason I am saying this is because I wouldn't want your fast to be ineffective. Don't just go on about your day as you usually would but take specific time to communicate with God in prayer. Fasting will help you overcome certain things in your life that you struggle with; but just as Jesus told His disciples, somethings only give way to prayer and fasting. There is a reason why Jesus mentioned both. They go together
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 17:21
Whatever it is you want to overcome by fasting make your request known to God on the first day and keep praying about it as your fast goes on. God will show you how to overcome and help you. Just stay in prayer.
2. Fasting disciplines the flesh
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Romans 8:7
Our flesh is selfish; it's boastful. It wants what it wants when it wants it. But our flesh is also hostile to the will of God. This means we need to pump its breaks at times at say no. The more we feed our flesh the more we starve our spirit but the Bible tells us that God is Spirit and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We can't fully connect with God out of our flesh. We need to be spiritual and this happens by fasting. It's time to be spirit filled and empty ourselves.
3. Fasting gives clarity and understanding
The world likes to advertise fasting as a cleanse. And it's true because it does cleanse us spiritually and gives us clarity to see God and to hear from Him.
We are so full of thoughts, ideas, experiences, and aspirations but to really know what God thinks about us and what He envisions for our present and future we need to connect with Him on this spiritual level. A very popular way to fast is the Daniel Fast. In the book of Daniel, we read that Daniel received a vision from God he didn't fully understand so he fasted for three weeks. One thing that's sure about our God is that He never withholds understanding from us. (James 1:5) Whatever you need clarity for ask our heavenly Father and seek Him in prayer and in fasting.
...Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Daniel 10:12
4. There is a great promise for those who fast
There are many ways to fast. I personally fast from 6am 'till 6pm and don't eat anything at all. There is also the Daniel Fast, which I have participated in as well, and there are fasts you abstain from certain things like social media. But there are also many ways to miss God during a fast. God is pleased when we fast and seek Him. When we hunger and thirst for Him and want to get to know Him on a deeper level. But as we study the Bible on fasting there are many examples of people who fasted for the wrong reasons. God looks at our motives so when you fast, check your heart first and don't miss the promises of God that come with fasting.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11
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