As we embark on this corporate fast together, I want to share a few thoughts about fasting that I hope will encourage and guide you during this time.
Personally
Fasting has been one of the most impactful—and challenging—spiritual disciplines I’ve ever practiced. During extended fasting, I’ve learned so much about myself, including how much food can become an idol in my life. These experiences have also revealed areas where my spiritual growth needs to deepen.
Some of my most powerful and intimate moments with the Lord have happened during times of fasting. I’ve also learned practical lessons—like how Michelle and I, out of love for one another, shouldn’t completely fast from food at the same time. (She truly is the best wife!)
I believe fasting is a calling for specific times and seasons. It’s not something to take lightly, but I am more excited about this fast than any I’ve done before. I genuinely believe God has great things to reveal to me, to you, and to our church. Together, as we fast from distractions, feast on His Word, and commit to prayer, I trust God will do amazing work in our lives.
Why We Fast
The ultimate goal of fasting is to grow closer to God. Biblical fasting is about intentionally saying “no” to distractions for a spiritual purpose. It’s a way to reset our hearts and souls, renew our spirits, and make room for God to work.
Fasting enables us to celebrate God’s kindness and goodness while positioning our hearts to receive the blessings He desires to bring into our lives. It’s important to remember that your fast should be both meaningful and personal. It should challenge you, but it should also be appropriate for your body, your circumstances, and how the Holy Spirit leads you.
There are many types of fasts—some may involve food, while others focus on eliminating other distractions. How you choose to fast is between you and the Lord. The key is to seek Him in prayer, listen for His guidance, and commit to a fast that helps you draw near to Him.
As we begin this 21-day journey, I encourage you to think not only about what you will fast from but also about what you will feast on. Let’s commit to feasting on God’s Word, His presence, and His promises as we pray and seek His will together.
Be God’s,
Josh
Types of Fasting
Complete Fast
This fast calls for drinking only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.
Selective Fast
This type of fast involves removing certain elements from a diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, or bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.
Partial Fast
This fast is sometimes called the Jewish Fast and involves abstaining from eating any types of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.
Media Fast
This fast is common for those who do not have much experience fasting foods, who have health issues that prevent the fasting of food, or who wish to refocus certain areas of their life that are out of balance. For instance, someone might select to abstain from using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast—and then choosing how to carefully bring that element back into their life in an orderly fashion.
Scripture about Fasting:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
Resources
7 Steps to Successful Fasting and Praying by Bill Bright - http://www.cru.org/train-and-grow/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting.html
Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Praying by Bill Bright - http://www.cru.org/train-and-grow/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting.html
