"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" (Matt. 6:16-18).
Notice it says, when you fast, not if you fast. Jesus expects us to fast. He didn't instruct His disciples, "If you get around to it and if you're really super-spiritual, try fasting." He expect us to make it part of our lifestyle. And it's not something we need to let everyone know about. When you fast, get yourself washed up and keep it private between you and the Lord. Your Father will reward you.
Why do we fast? Fasting sharpens you. It humbles you. It gets you crying out to God. When you are denying your body of things it craves every day in order to get direction from God, scriptures are illuminated to you like never before. The Holy Spirit will give you the specific answer for the problem that seems impossible to solve. You separate yourself from the world and say, "Lord, I don't want the bread of this world. I want the bread that comes from heaven.
Fasting is not just going hungry. Some people go through the motions of fasting, but they don't get anything out of it. "Well, I just fasted for three days." If your goal was not to eat, then that's what you did. But fasting means feasting on the bread from above. You're telling God, "I'm coming after You with everything in me. Lord, I'm getting away from the things of this world and putting my entire attention on You like never before.
I do want to give you one word of warning. If you are planning a prolonged fast, please get your doctor's permission first. People are different and some may have unique health issues to take into consideration before a fast. If it is not physically safe to completely fast all food, a person could fast certain foods that they especially like, such as sweets and soda pop.
Sometimes a fast can be one of the hardest things to do. You have to be determined! But with Holy Spirit determination, nothing will stop you and you will not only keep the edge, you will increase the anointing on your life.
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