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Fasting is God-Given
Fasting is God-Given. Fasting is denying the flesh before the
Lord - it's a sacrificial life before the Lord. In Isaiah Chapter 58, we learn what a "true fast" is. It's a call from the almighty to total humility and self-denial before Him. In 11 Chronicles 12:14, we are ward by God to humble ourselves. Again, Isaiah chapter 58 declares this fast as chosen by the Almighty as a time for us to humble ourselves; this a fast to loosens the chains of injustice, unties the unto the yoke, free the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. This fasting is for many days. A fast that is a protracted fast until we break forth with new life. "Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am' (Isaiah 58:8-9).
Fasting give us a fertile time to repent and express godly
sorry for sins we have committed. Fasting is a time of turning from sin, worldliness, spiritual apathy and indifference to the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. In a total fast, our will can become His will in us. The total and deeper work of God in the heart takes place in a total 10 or 21 days fast-prayer. There are revelations and deeper insight into the purpose and plan God has for us. Fasting and praying places us into a level of faith and blessing that can only be obtained in such a time as this. The Lord teaches us that our period of personal fasting should be done in secret. Jesus taught us to do it in the closet and we would rewarded openly.
For those with health problems that may prevent them from a total fast, special instructions should be given them for a certain number of days or a partial fast during the days of the fasting-prayers. It is always wise to consult their health provider and to request information is a total fast could damage their bodies. Remember Daniel, the Prophet fast many days (21 days) and only ate pleasant bread (Daniel 10:3). Daniel denied himself certain foods, ate only pleasant bread and drink water. This indicated his dedication to the things of God and the desire of God in and over his life. God was his supreme desire and need. "The blessing of the Lord make rich and add no sorry with it."
