Glorious Living w/ Coach Megan: Fasting

Dear Coach Megan,

For years I have been hearing a lot about fasting and I even know that you are in the middle of a seven month fast night now…but I am sad to say that I do not even know where to begin with doing a fast on my own. I feel like, as a Christian, I am supposed to know what to do and supposed to be fasting, but I need help knowing why we fast and how to actually partake in one. Can you help? Thank you! ~G

Oh, G! I am so happy you asked about fasting! Yes, it is certainly dear to my heart…especially being in the fourth month of a seven month fast.

“A fast creates margin for God to move…
and was commanded or initiated in the Bible
during one of six extreme circumstances.
Mourning, Inquiry, Repentance, Preparation, Crisis and/or Worship.“

~Jen Hatmaker

I think that one of the biggest challenges we have as humans with fasting is that we try so very hard to make the fast fit our comfort and lifestyle…but that is NOT what God calls us to do with fasting.

So, what does the Bible have to say about fasting?

This might surprise you, but Scripture does not command Christians to fast.  God does not require or demand it of Christians.  At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial.  The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23).  Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).  Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food.  Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.

Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).  Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body.  Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God.  Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God.  Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example).  However, everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ.  Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want.  Fasting changes us, not God.  Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others.  Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.  Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Here are some tips for you as you consider fasting:

1. Plan Your Fast

The Bible has examples of one-day, three-day, seven-day and forty-day fasts (Judges 20:26; Esther 4:16; 1 Samuel 31:13 and Matthew 4 respectively).  You should enter your fast with prayer, and then pray for a specific plan for how long you will fast.

There are various types of fasts as well.  Some people fast with only water for short periods, while others maintain multi-week fasts with juice and broth maintaining a strict liquid diet.  Both are valid.  You simply need to decide what is right for your body and your purposes.

Part of planning your fast should be to educate yourself on different types of fasts and reasons to fast.  It is also important to know how to break your fast properly.  This becomes more critical the longer your fast lasts.

2. Consider Your Schedule

While a fast, by nature, is inconvenient, it should be an inconvenience to you—not to those around you.  You should not obligate your family to skip Christmas dinner because of your fast. This takes away the personal nature of fasting.

3. Tell Only the People You Must

Your spouse will need to know you are fasting. Beyond that, you would be better off not telling many people that you are fasting. Fasting can also become a source of pride and boasting as you spread the news to more and more people. Now, you might be thinking, “But Megan, you are blogging about your seven month fast almost everyday…”  Yes, I am… and I am doing that because God specifically told me to.  I didn’t want to blog it or tell people about it but God very clearly told me He needed me to.  I am being obedient as I am an example.

Telling your pastor can be a help both to you and to him. It will be an encouragement for him to pray more specifically for you during this time. And you will know that someone is praying for your spiritual and physical well-being.

4. Wean Yourself Off Caffeine and other Toxins

Several days before your fast begins, you should start weaning yourself off caffeine and other toxins you ingest. Some people experience unbearable headaches 2 to 3 days after ceasing to drink caffeinated products. During your fast you will already be acutely aware of your stomach. There is no need to add a second discomfort if it can be avoided.

5. Avoid Media

Disconnecting from TV, radio, newspapers and the Internet can help you stay focused on your purpose for fasting. You will be less tempted by the constant bombardment of advertising as you become physically and emotionally challenged. Avoiding media will give you more time to focus on the Lord and His Word.

6. Disconnect from people

Fasting is not necessarily a vacation, though dedicating time off and away from people during your fast can help you get the most benefit out of this precious time. Leave your email and cellphone behind. If possible, find someone who can cover your responsibilities at work and ministry. Many people fast and still carry on their normal daily activities. But if you can get away, it will give you more time in quietness and stillness with the Lord.

7. Beware of Your Emotions

Some people experience vast mood swings during a fast. One moment they are totally focused on God and the next they are wallowing in pity. Knowing that this is likely to happen will help you react properly. Learning to refocus on God and His goodness during this tough emotional time will help when your fast is over and you experience similar emotions.

8. Rest

Laziness is a problem that the Bible speaks against, but most of us today suffer from being too busy and not getting the rest we need. If you disconnect from the media and other people you will have extra time allowing you to get a full night’s sleep. During your fast you will be forced to slow down since you won’t be needing long meal breaks. A fast will reveal to you that you have too many activities and busyness in your day-to-day routine.

9. Stay Physically Active

You should take time to rest but this does not mean you should do nothing. Enjoy a walk in God’s creation. Outside of His Word, His creation is one of the best ways that God has revealed Himself to us.

10. Be Still and Focus on God

Fasting  is a time to study God’s Word, meditate and pray.  To help with this, plan a specific Bible passage or topic you want to study during your fast.  Look for verses you want to memorize and meditate upon.  Fasting by Jesus and the disciples was always accompanied by prayer.  Spend time talking to God and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.

Fasting gives you God’s focus for your life. It is a major key to hearing God’s voice (the other is true worship – the two are related). We need focus from God more than anything as the world we live in is working overtime to distract us, to entice us, to win our hearts and minds, our focus, and to determine our vision. Fasting cuts out the world so we can tune into God. If we are obedient to God fasting will make us catalysts for revival and awakening.

I pray this is a blessing to you,

Coach Megan 🙂