FASTING
Fasting coupled with prayer is one of our highest forms of spiritual warfare, (11 Cor. 10:4-6) and should always be done with the right attitude and to the glory of God (Col. 3:23). Prayer alone is mighty, but combined with fasting it produces a force so powerful that all the demonic attacks of Satan and hell cannot prevail against it. (Mark 9:29)
We are convinced that throughout church history many breakthroughs took place be- cause of an individual or group of people decided in their hearts to fast and pray for God’s will to be established in the Earth.
Warning!
Anyone who is on medication or has ill health, such as cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disorders, etc. (any sickness) should not enter into a fast (especially a prolonged one), without the advice and supervision of a qualified medical doctor.
Why Fast? Biblical Help
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matt. 6: 16-18) NKJV
WHAT IS FASTING?
Fasting is to completely abstain from all solid foods for a period of time. (Matt. 4: 1-2) Pure water is not food, it is colorless, it is odorless, it is tasteless, it evaporates, and is not stimulating. Wisdom must be used when going on any extended fast and especially if going without water. The authors of this book do not recommend fasts without water. The scriptures say that Jesus was hungry , not thirsty. (Matt. 4:2-11) Fasting a few days without water is still practiced by many for a few days, but should not be done when fasting more than three to five days. (Esther 4:16)
Fasting is a, humbling act of one’s will. To fast means to elect to live “off oneself.”
AFTER A FEW DAYS THE BODY LIVES ON ITS OWN SUBSTANCE.
to reality.
A Great Attitude is a Must
Give me a great Attitude and the world is yours. You stand to benefit most if you approach this experience prayerfully and in a positive frame of mind. To prepare ourselves both mentally and emotionally we must understand and know that fasting is a perfectly normal process and can be entered into without fear and anxiety. Fasting empowers one to abstain from every passion and temper which is unpleasing to God. It allows us to focus our prayers and helps to obtain and apply the precious promises of God.
My wife and I have been convinced in most circumstances that attitude is the first thing the Spirit holds us accountable for while we are fasting. We will share more later in the book concerning the great passage of Isaiah 58. Nevertheless be aware that attitude has a lot to do with the rewards you will receive in a fast according to Isaiah 58.