10 Reasons Why Christians Should Fast

Hello Readers & Followers,

You are welcome to the series on fasting and prayer. You may have been fasting but not know the importance of fasting or you may not have fasted before and you are considering fasting. This series is an opportunity for you to learn about fasting. This is 1 of 4 teachings on fasting and prayer.

Jesus Christ told us in Matthew 6:16 that fasting is not an "if" but a when. Jesus said "When you fast..." This means fasting is something that Jesus wants us to consider as Christians.

Are you aware that fasting has been practised since Biblical times? Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ fasted (Matthew 4), Moses fasted on behalf of Israel's sin (Deuteronomy 9:9) Queen Esther fasted to solve a national problem facing her people (Esther 4:15-16), King David fasted (Psalm 109:24-25) and many more which we are going to be looking into as part of this series.

What is fasting? Fasting is a faith-based practice that means giving up something you would normally have and enjoy. Fasting is a sacrifice. Every day, you and I have the choice to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God which is an act of worship (Romans 12:1). The Lord is always wanting His children to choose His ways rather than our own desires.

Some of you might be thinking and asking: why should I deprive myself of food when I can simply pray? The answer: Jesus Christ said fasting makes a huge difference for some prayers to be answered in the spiritual realm (Paraphrased of Mark 9:29).  

What are the 10 reasons why Christians should fast?

1) When you fast, you are telling God that He is more important than your food. God said, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13)."

2) Fasting quietens your heart to hear from God as your spirit will be alert. The Bible says that in the place of fasting, the apostles received a word from the Holy Spirit. The Scripture (Acts 13:2) says: "One day as these men were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them."

3) Fasting makes intimacy with God a priority as your focus will be on God and the purpose of why you are fasting.

4) Fasting can lead to godly sorrow which leads to repentance and helps you get back to God. An example is the children of Israel; they sought God's forgiveness through fasting so that He will not destroy them. The Scripture tells us in Joel 2:12-13: "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping, and with mourning: and render your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil." 

5) Fasting can help you build spiritual boldness for the things that you are praying about. We can see in the life of Queen Esther, she approached the King after she had fasted (Esther 4:15-16 and Esther 5).

6) Fasting can support you in breaking bad habits as bad habits are likely to suck away your spiritual life. As in the place of fasting, you are likely to sacrifice the things that distract you from the presence of God by spending time with God. Thus, the Holy Spirit will be working in you to break any bad habits that you may have. Try fasting and praying for 21 days to break any bad habit you may have. Watch out for what the Holy Spirit will do in your life. 

7) Fasting makes a huge difference in the spiritual realm. You may not fully understand this statement. However, there is a reason why Jesus Christ said in Mark 9:29: “Only fasting and prayer can force out that kind of demon."

8) Fasting is a way for you to show God that you are depending on Him. Essentially, you are putting your trust in God. Ezra proclaimed a fast when the Jews faced an unsafe travel situation when they returned to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon (Ezra 8:21-23). They fasted for God's protection as they travelled and God protected them.

9) Fasting creates an avenue for you to renew your mind as you spend more time in God's presence meditating on the Word of God (Romans 12:2). 

10) Fasting is a rewarding experience where you find peace in the presence of God as you will be spending more time with God.

If this article has blessed you — would you like to share it with someone? Send it to a friend, on your social media platforms, family members, and many more.

Also, I love hearing from you in the comment section. Please take a minute to say ‘hello’ by leaving a comment. 

I am praying for God's presence to be with you throughout this week in Jesus' name. 

Have a lovely week!

Yours in Christ,

Mysses Lafunky

In one of my books, I talked about fasting and prayer. To purchase this book (It is super cheap), please click on the link below:

For the UK, it is £3.99. Here is the link to buy (https://tinyurl.com/PrayersforEverydayLiving)

For the USA, it is $5.11. Here is the link to buy (https://tinyurl.com/PrayersforEverydayLiving-US)

For Canada, it is CDN $6.80. Here is the link to buy (https://tinyurl.com/PrayersforEverydayLiving-CAN).