Have you ever really needed to hear from the Most High about a topic that the scriptures may not address directly? Have you ever felt as if you need more power behind your prayers? Have you ever just needed to be spiritually energized in your relationship with Abba Yahuah? The answer to these questions may be found in the simple art of fasting!
Fasting, What is it?
Fasting, what is it? Technically speaking, fasting is the act of abstaining from the partaking of food, water or from engaging in some action or activity for a set period of time. Spiritually speaking, fasting is a practice designed to weaken the flesh for the purpose of strengthening the spirit (ruach). When we abstain from or turn away from eating, it is a sign of our desire to lay aside our dependences, lusts and passions in order to seek the Most High. This soul-body connection is an important pathway in gaining clarity and making inroads in your spiritual walk.
As we deny the body of its daily bread, the body must seek other sources of sustenance. It will begin to break down fat and convert into glucose to feed the body. In a fasted state, our bodies also begin the practice of house cleaning. Because we are used to living in a world that is fixated on food ? we plan our days and our lives around food. When the body is not overworked with the business of digesting food, it is freed up to begin to clean the cells and the digestive tract. Undigested foods, parasites, toxins and the like are removed from the body. The body begins to get itself in order.
This is true spiritually speaking as well. When our bodies are in a more weakened state due to not being constantly fed and when the time that we would ordinarily spend preparing our food is used to instead seek the Most High, we grow. As our flesh is challenged, we draw nearer to Abba Yahuah for sustenance and strength. Our spiritual bodies are also being cleansed. Old thoughts, ideas and behavior patterns are identified and rejected. Space is created in the cleansing process for more truth, more insights, more understanding, more wisdom? more of Yah!
Why Fast?
So, now that you know what fasting is, why would you do it? Reasons for fasting include a need to hear from the Most High concerning a decision or a course of action, gaining more spiritual insights and understanding, to increase the anointing or power of Yah in one?s life and to overcome demonic attacks, oppression/possession. There are other reasons to fast which may include seeking Yahuah for healing of the body or mind and for the purpose of improving one?s health.
When you lack direction, fasting may help to rid the mind of confusion and help you attune yourself to the voice of wisdom as He speaks. If you lack power and find your prayers unanswered, fasting may be just the thing you need. There may also be times when the healing you seek will not or has not manifested ? a fast may be in order. Abba Yahuah will guide you. To fast is to approach unto Yahuah empty so that you may be filled with all that He has for you.
There was a time in my life when I could not hear Abba?s direction. I was too ?full? of the world and trapped in busyness. Abba indicated to my heart that I was to ?fast? from social media for a week. It was very difficult at first. I kept finding myself trying to check my social media pages but would have to stop myself and engage in prayer or reading the scriptures. By the end of the week, I felt stronger and better able to hear. I also did not miss the ?noise? of other people?s opinions in my head. I eventually went back to some of the social media sites but my participation was limited. My appetite, my desire for it had diminished. But my desire for the Most High and His word had significantly increased!
Types of Fasts
Fasting has many health benefits to the body and the mind. When one is in a fasting state, human growth hormones are released, blood sugar is normalized, blood pressure is reduced and the body has time to heal itself because it is not busy with the business of digesting food. The Mind also benefits when food is reduced or eliminated.
There are several types of fasts that one can engage in. If you have never fasted, I would recommend you begin with an occasional short fast of say 12 or so hours. You have the option of fasting from food entirely ? just drinking liquids or modifying your fast to remove certain things from your diet like caffeine, meats and/or desserts. This is called a Daniel Fast where the focus is eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods that are close to nature. Meats, dairy, fish, desserts/sweets, and ?heavy? foods are avoided.
Some people choose to engage in fasts by drinking only hot teas, smoothies or juices. While others abstain from food entirely during the fasting time period. Whichever time period or method you choose, be sure to take any medications that have been prescribed to you and to drink plenty of fluids.
During this time of fasting, focus on prayer, scripture reading and spending time in the Father?s presence so that He may speak to you. The time that you have before the fast dedicated to eating or preparing meals should be spent in the Most High?s presence. This can be a time of tremendous spiritual growth if done for the right reasons. You must not fast to attempt to get Abba Yahuah to do things for you that He does not desire for you or has not released for you. You cannot manipulate the Creator of all. He knows our hearts and our true motives.
Once you have done a few short fasts and you feel comfortable with extending the time of your fast, it is time to move on to intermittent fasting or an extended fast of 1-2 days.
Intermittent Fasts
Intermittent fasting is a fast that lasts for a certain amount of time either daily or a few days per week. For example, you may choose to fast from food entirely from 8 pm the night before to 1 pm the next day. The practice of intermittent fasting mimics the benefits of fasting for the time period selected. It has many health benefits and is a great way to ease into fasting. I use this method most of the time and find it very beneficial. I typically eat only one (at times 2) meal(s) per day and I involve myself in prayer and scripture study during this time. Once you have developed a comfort level of abstaining from food, you may be ready to move on to longer fasts.
Longer Fasts
Longer fasts can include abstaining from food altogether or employing the Daniel Fast or intermittent fasting for an extended period of time. No matter the type or time period chosen, it is important to stay hydrated. In an extended fast, you may choose to fast for 3-4 days with or without a modified diet. You may also choose to engage in intermittent fasting for 5 days. You may also choose to fast in the ways I have just mentioned for an extended period of time of say - 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, or 40 days. I do not recommend going over a 40 day fast. As I stated, you must pay close attention to your body during this time and cease the fast if you begin to experience nausea, dizziness, weakness or feeling faint. It takes time to work your way up to an extended fast. Be led by the Ruach before you engage in an extended fast.
Breaking a Fast
It is very important that you break a fast gradually, slowly and carefully. I remember all too well the mistake I made decades ago when I broke a 24 hour fast with pancakes! Big mistake! It was too much for my system and resulted in digestive distress. I have learned since then. The best way to break a fast is by eating light and easily digestible foods such as broths/soups, vegetable juices and very light foods. It is also important to eat smaller meals until your digestive system which has been at rest is fully awakened and ready to digest food again. You must take it slowly. Drinking warm teas and broths are very nourishing to the body and helps to slowly awaken the digestive system. This should be done for two or more days depending on how long you fasted. The longer the fast, the longer the period of time you must allow yourself to slowly awaken digestion.
Breaking a Daniel fast will not be as challenging because although the digestive system has had a break, it did not completely ?rest?. With that said, it is still important to ease into reintroducing meat, eggs and dairy into your diet. Take it slowly. Begin with just a small portion of fish or eggs. If your body tolerates that well, you can increase in small increments. Make sure that you are digesting well before once again resuming red meats.
Fasting is a wonderful tool that can be used to draw nearer to Abba, seek His face for guidance and healing and to turn away from sin. As with anything, be led by the Ruach ha Qodesh before you move into this arena of fasting. If done the right way with the right motive, it can result in much spiritual growth.
MarYaH
Trumpet?s Call Ministries