Why Fast
Someone observed and asked:
“In OT times, people fasted in times of deep spiritual need or in times of mourning. As a corporate body of believers, why are we fasting for twenty one days?”
Here are a few reasons for our 21 day fast:
1. We want to follow the model set by Jesus.
Before beginning his ministry he was led by the Spirit to fast (Matthew 4 and Luke 4). As we come into a new year and plan to have a major impact for the cause of Christ it seemed wise to fast personally and to challenge all Christ followers at Lifeway to do the same. We desperately need to hear from God if we plan to have an impact for Christ in our community. I fully expect a similar experience as Jesus had. The Bible said, "He was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit", and after his forty day fast, "He came out of the wilderness in the power of the Holy Spirit." I fully believe God has led us into this 21 day fast and will lead us out in power.
2. To obey the command of Christ.
When Jesus was questioned as to why his disciples do not fast he answered, "You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days." Luke 5:34-35 (NASB)
It is clear that fasting wasn't something that was done before Christ only, but after Christ also. Jesus fully expected his followers would fast and pray. Because fasting was practiced before Christ there is much we can learn and apply to our own lives. Like...
3. Fasting adds divine power to our ministry.
Remember the boy who was demon possessed and Jesus’ disciples asked why they were unable to cast out the demon? Jesus' answer was clear, “This kind does not come out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
4. We fast as an act of worship.
"I urge you, therefore, brethren, to present your bodies as living holy sacrifices to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Romans 12:1)
5. We fast to know God’s will.
Two examples of people who fasted to know God's will are Daniel and the disciples (Daniel 9; 10; Acts 13:2). Daniel was burdened by what he read in the Scriptures and did not understand; therefore, he set his mind not to eat until God revealed to him the meaning. On the 21st day of the fast an angel showed up and told him, "From the first day you humbled yourself God sent me to answer you..." As the disciples fasted God spoke to them and said, "Set apart Paul and Barnabas for my ministry to the Gentiles..." God opens doors for ministry that we did not know even existed when we humble ourselves in obedience to worship him with fasting.
There are many other reason and benefits for fasting you can find in the Scriptures. For the longest list read Isaiah 58. Have you signed up for the fast yet? Click here and sign up today.
