WHEN WE FAST
Sakkie Parsons
Someone asked me my opinion about "fasting" and I would like to share with you my answer on this matter.
I want to start by saying that a Christian is nowhere obligated by our Lord to fast.
That it is a wonderful way to strengthen yourself spiritually and that the Christians in the early church have fasted a lot is certainly true.
In my opinion, the right way to fast is to eat nothing, but to drink water.
One of the proofs for me from the Word that I am correct is that part of the Word where Jesus fasted:
MAT 4:2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
MAT 4:3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
The first thing that got my attention in this regard is the following:
MAT 4: 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The Word says that He was hungry. It does not say that he has become hungry and thirsty.
Now, we must not lose sight of Him being in the desert, and in a desert water is usually the biggest problem, but here emphasis is placed on 'hungry' (food) and not on 'thirst' (water).
Also, like I know Satan, and I am sure you as well, he always attacks you where you are the weakest.
Now, look at what he says to Jesus:
MAT 4:3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
Again, it is not written that he said that Jesus should say that the stones must become water, or bread and water. No, he attacks Jesus where he thinks Jesus is the weakest and it was that Jesus was hungry.
One other point in this regard.
I know I'm hammering a bit on fast as not eating but drinking but so many people fast in so many different ways and I do not say that they are doing wrong in the sight of our Lord, for I do not have scripture to make such a statement.
However, I have Scripture, which I have shown to you now, which, according to me, proves that Jesus fasted as I say to you, that I think we should fast – namely, not to eat but to drink water.
On this occasion, Jesus went to the desert when He fasted.
I do not go aside in a corner if I’m fasting, but I surely apart myself in my heart from the normal.
Here everyone in his / her heart, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, must decide how the person will spend the time of fasting but I believe that the Word, Prayer and Christian reading material should be part of a very large percentage of time.
In this way, the Holy Spirit also has the opportunity to share with me.
What is the use of fasting?
To me personally, the following fact stands out like a pole over water:
As you fast, the weaker your body becomes physically, the stronger you get in the Spirit.
How long do you have to fast?
In my view, this is a matter between me and our Lord.
Why does one fast?
Among other things, one can put it this way; that you want to make a point.
For example:
"Lord, I cannot handle this situation anymore! Please help me! "
Or like someone I know has done a lot:
"Lord, I am fasting this day or days, to spend time with you."
One thing is certainly very, very true.
It is mentally and physically a good thing to fast.
There are of course different kinds of fasting but here I share only what I do
call religious or spiritual fasting.
Lastly, just these two things that I think are very important:
When I decide for this day or days I'm fasting, I must definitely know that
satan will assault me. If he did not spare the Son of God, I should not
think he's going to leave me alone.
Nor do I have to hang on to the big clock, that I am fasting because then my fast is
totally useless except for satan who "scores" because he lets me do something that is wrong in the sight of my lord
Mat 6:16 "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
Mat 6:17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
Mat 6:18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Therefore, even though fasting is not an obligation, our Lord strongly recommends it in His Word.
Greetings,
Sakkie