4 Reasons You Should Fast

Many men and women of importance in the Bible practiced fasting. Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, and Jesus, are just a few of the many people in the Bible who took part in this practice.

When Jesus taught on fasting, He said, “when you fast” not “if you fast.” He assumed that we would.

We were created with fasting integrated into our lives. If you think about it, when we sleep an average of 8 hours a day, that is equivalent to 1/3 of our life. If you live, say, 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep. When you sleep, you are fasting, that’s why the morning meal is called breakfast – it’s when you break your fast.

4 Reasons Why You Should Fast:

It helps us overcome the calamities of life.

Fasting is the Biblical way to humble ourselves (Psalm 35:13; 69:10). The Bible tells us that Esther did it when faced with danger (Esther 4:16). Ezra fasted for protection (Ezra 8:21-28). Jehoshaphat did it in the time of the invasion of the confederated armies of Canaanites and Syrians (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Fasting is a tool that you can use to help you go through very difficult situations in life.

It renews our connection with God.

Jesus said that His disciples will fast when He is gone (Mark 2:20). When we do it, we get our hunger back for the presence of God.

If you are struggling in your relationship with God, or if you’re trying to rekindle the flame you once had for God’s presence, fast.

It empowers us to fulfill God’s calling in our life.

Most of the people in the Old Testament fasted in a crisis; It’s evident in the Bible that Jesus fasted for His calling. We should not only do it during problems but also for our purpose. Anna did it for the coming of the redemption of Israel. (Luke 2:37).

Many people wonder what their calling is in life. If you truly feel the need to know, spend time with God in a fast. Dedicate time to seek His face and He will make His purpose for your life clear to you.

It defeats the devil.

The Bible tells us of a time when the disciples of Jesus could not cast out a demon. Jesus said, “This kind does not leave, but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). You’ll notice it helps to break the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, and empower us to break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).

If you are facing demonic attacks in your life, in your home, or in your family, God may be calling you to a fast. It is a very powerful tool that will strengthen you to fight against every power of darkness that comes against you.

Read: How To Fast Correctly

Final Thoughts

If you have been on the fence about fasting, let this be an encouragement to you to take the step in trusting God.

The power is not in fasting alone, but in choosing to submit, surrender, and humble yourself before the Lord.

Make that choice, and watch what God will do.

Have you fasted before? Leave a comment and let me know how it went!