What does it mean to “Fast?”

Recently in the last few weeks I have had to really challenge myself with this question. I feel many Christians and non Christians have asked this same question. When asking other Christians this question the common answer I received is that we fast for a purpose. I still felt I didn’t really understand what it meant.

In the Bible there are many verses that discuss fasting such as:

Isaiah 58 v 1-14 (In these verses the example of fasting is to be motivated by sincere faith and obedience to God’s moral law. In verses 6-7 fasting is explained not as a ritualistic obedience but instead to be an action such as feeding the hungry and clothing the poor and so forth).

Matthew 6 v 16-18 (Here fasting is an expression of our dependence on God. Fasting is described as an act of humility and submission to God’s will).

Matthew 9 v 14-15, Mark 2 v 18-20, Luke 5 v 35 (Christ speaks in these verses of how we shall fast when he is gone. Now that Christ is no longer physically with us we should fast because it aids in our spiritual development. Fasting increases our concentration in prayer as well as reminds us of our physical weaknesses and total dependence on God. Through fasting our spiritual awareness is increased strengthening our communication with God.)

Acts 13 v 2-3 (Fasting in scripture many times is described as a spiritual discipline. This may be to prepare people for ministry, symbolic of self sacrifices for God’s purpose, to better separate ourselves from concerns of the world and focus our minds on God).

(As you can see in many of the stories in the Holy Bible, one of the common reason for fasting is to be closer to God and open to his guidance).

I would like to share my personal experience with doing a water fast for two days last week. A water fast means you drink only water. During the times I would normaly being eating I use to just be with God. I talked to God, prayed, gave thanks to him, read some scriptures, wrote in my journal, asked for guidance and strength. I admit that I have not had many prior personal experiences with fasting. I have felt in the past that I could not fast because I am hypoglycemic, which means I have to eat regularly small snacks to keep my blood sugar in normal range. I knew that without the strength of God I personally would not be able to do this fast. I decided to fast because I wanted to be closer to God. I know in life God asks us to do things we think is impossible. We try to rationalize things instead of trusting in God (James 1v6). Only through the strength of God can we over come crises in our lives. Although many of us tend to want to hold the weight of the world on our own shoulders in all reality it would crush us. So I started my fast to lay down my rights as well as trusting in the Lord for strength and understanding. My first day of fasting was difficult at times. However it was waking up the second day that was the hardest. I was weak, nauseated and dizzy. God gave me strength to pull through the morning. I have never felt so close to God than during these times. I had to rely on him for strength and encouragement. I felt he was there with me, and at times I felt very emotional. God placed many things on my heart that I latter shared with our DTS team and leaders. I now know the importance of fasting and how significant its use can be in our lives.