{"id":12558,"date":"2013-06-21T00:01:16","date_gmt":"2013-06-21T04:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/girlfriendscoffeehour.com\/?p=12558"},"modified":"2013-06-20T22:53:58","modified_gmt":"2013-06-21T02:53:58","slug":"glorious-living-w-coach-megan-fasting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlfriendscoffeehour.com\/wordpress\/2013\/06\/21\/glorious-living-w-coach-megan-fasting\/","title":{"rendered":"Glorious Living w\/ Coach Megan: Fasting"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GL<\/a><\/p>\n

Dear Coach Megan, <\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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<\/span> I am sad to say that I do not even know where to begin with<\/span> 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<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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

“<\/em><\/strong><\/span>A fast creates margin for God to move…<\/i><\/b><\/i> <\/span>
\nand was commanded or initiated in the Bible <\/em><\/b>
\nduring one of six extreme circumstances.<\/b>
\n<\/em>Mourning, Inquiry, Repentance, Preparation, Crisis and\/or Worship.<\/b>“<\/em> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

~Jen Hatmaker<\/span><\/p>\n

I think that one of the biggest challenges we have as humans\u00a0with fasting is that we try so very hard to make the fast fit our comfort and lifestyle…but<\/span> that is NOT what God calls us to do with fasting.<\/p>\n

So, what does the Bible have to say about fasting?<\/p>\n

This might surprise you, but Scripture does not command Christians to fast.\u00a0 God does not require or demand it of Christians.\u00a0 At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. \u00a0The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23).\u00a0 Fasting and prayer are often linked<\/span> together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). \u00a0Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food.\u00a0 Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God<\/strong><\/em>. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him.\u00a0Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.<\/p>\n

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).\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God.\u00a0 Fasting should not be considered a \u201cdieting method\u201d either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God.\u00a0 Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example).\u00a0 However, everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.<\/p>\n

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ.\u00a0 Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. \u00a0Fasting changes us, not God.\u00a0 Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. \u00a0Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.\u00a0 Matthew 6:16-18 declares, \u201cWhen you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. \u00a0I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are some tips for you as you consider fasting:<\/p>\n

1. Plan Your Fast<\/strong><\/p>\n

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).\u00a0 You should enter your fast with prayer, and then pray for a specific plan for how long you will fast.<\/p>\n

There are various types of fasts as well.\u00a0 Some people fast with only water for short periods, while others maintain multi-week fasts with juice and broth maintaining a strict liquid diet.\u00a0 Both are valid.\u00a0 You simply need to decide what is right for your body and your purposes.<\/p>\n

Part of planning your fast should be to educate yourself on different types of fasts and reasons to fast.\u00a0 It is also important to know how to break your fast properly. \u00a0This becomes more critical the longer your fast lasts.<\/p>\n

2. Consider Your Schedule<\/strong><\/p>\n

While a fast, by nature, is inconvenient, it should be an inconvenience to you\u2014not to those around you. \u00a0You should not obligate your family to skip Christmas dinner because of your fast. This takes away the personal nature of fasting.<\/p>\n

3. Tell Only the People You Must<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/span>…”\u00a0 Yes, I am… and<\/span> I am doing that because God specifically told me to.\u00a0 I didn’t want to blog it or tell people about it but God very clearly told me He needed me to.\u00a0 I am being obedient as I am an example.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4. Wean Yourself Off Caffeine and other Toxins<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5. Avoid<\/span> Media<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/span> will give you more time to focus on the Lord and His Word.<\/p>\n

6. Disconnect from people<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/span> 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.<\/p>\n

7. Beware of Your Emotions<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

8. Rest<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s sleep. During your fast you will be forced to slow down since you won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

9. Stay Physically Active<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should take time to rest but this does not mean you should do nothing. Enjoy a walk in God\u2019s creation. Outside of His Word, His creation is one of the best ways that God has revealed Himself to us.<\/p>\n

10. Be Still and Focus on God<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fasting\u00a0 <\/span>is a time to study God\u2019s Word, meditate and pray.\u00a0 To help with this, plan a specific Bible passage or topic you want to study during your fast.\u00a0 Look for verses you want to memorize and meditate upon.\u00a0 Fasting by<\/span> Jesus and the disciples was always accompanied by prayer.\u00a0 Spend time talking to God and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

I pray this is a blessing to you,<\/p>\n

Coach Megan \ud83d\ude42<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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