As I mentioned in my last letter, many of the survey responses expressed interest in learning about fasting. It’s funny how there aren’t really that many books on the topic despite the fact that the Bible talks a lot about it. The one book that stands out that I’d recommend is God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis. It’s a short read but very dense. He has several other good books, as well. My intention here is to give you a brief beginner’s guide to fasting.
Before I say anything I want to remind you of the teaching of Jesus on this subject. Fasting is a good and important discipline but it can definitely be done for the wrong reason. Here’s what I mean:
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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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. —Matthew 6:16-18
This is actually funny and sad all in one. They were fasting and then walking around like they were weak and going to collapse because of their extreme devotion to God. It was a form of showing off. Jesus exposes the motive.
Jesus gave similar warnings about prayer and giving. They were praying on street corners and in the synagogues to be seen by others. So people would say, “Ooh ahh … he’s so spiritual.” Jesus was telling them that this kind of praying isn’t rewarded by God because the motive is all wrong. They did the same with giving. They made sure everyone knew what they gave by blowing the proverbial trumpet as they gave their offering. Again, wrong motive.
I don’t think we need to take the warnings of Jesus to fast, give and pray in secret to an extreme. When we give to a church the bookkeeper will know what you gave. Our spouse may hear us praying. You obviously have to tell your family, and possibly roommates that you are fasting if you eat meals together. But as much as possible keep these disciplines between you and the Lord. Doing them in secret has a way of purifying our motives. Selah.
Vending machine
I have childhood memories of being on vacation and discovering illuminated colorful shiny vending machines in the motel we were staying at. Packed with dozens of different sugar-filled options I would gaze through the glass and salivate. Then I would hunt or beg or work to get 75 cents and race back to the vending machine. I’d drop the coins in, weigh my decision, and make my selection. I could see the candy being slowly released from its spiral grip. But, wait … no! It gets caught. And the machine is quiet. I am furious because I expected to get a bag of Sour Patch Kids! I feel ripped off! This vending machine owes me! I grab the machine and start rocking it with all my might trying to shake the candy loose but eventually give up. I walk away hating vending machines.
God is not a vending machine.
We should not treat fasting as though it were a coin placed in a vending machine and expect it to pop out a blessing. Fasting does not purchase God’s blessings. Fasting simply positions us to receive. And we don’t fast before God as if it were a hunger strike in an effort to manipulate Him to give us a particular thing. That’s all wrong. And it will very likely lead to us feeling disappointed when God does not bless our misguided efforts.
On another day I’ll take you into Isaiah 58, which I believe is essential in understanding fasting. The people were fasting but basically, it wasn’t doing anything. Here’s what they said in their hearts:
'Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?' —Isaiah 58:3a
The fasting wasn’t leading to refreshing in the Spirit or a sense of God’s presence. They weren’t seeing any tangible fruit from the effort and were feeling miffed at the Almighty. The problem was not that they were fasting but that they were fasting without regard for the poor. Their fasting was essentially in vain because its aim was only personal blessing from God. The Lord tells them this:
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? —Isaiah 58:6-7
Our fasting should always have the interests of God in mind. It certainly can be for the purpose of knowing God better or increasing in spiritual power and understanding. But even these things are deeply connected to the mission of God in the world. So be sure you are fasting for reasons that honor God.
Why fast?
So why fast? What benefit is there in it? If you are like me, you really enjoy food. I love to cook, and I love to eat. I think food is a wonderful gift from God in all of its colorful varieties and flavors. Providence, where I pastor, has an amazing culinary scene with such good restaurants like Denden, Apsara and El Rancho Grande. Oftentimes when we fast we get “hangry,” a fusion of hungry and angry. We are short. We feel cranky. It brings out sin and unpleasant attitudes. We may feel weak and fatigued. Our plan was to pray and read the Word and we feel as spiritual as a rock. Why in the world would anyone fast?
I’ll be honest that it’s not easy to answer that question. The Bible does not give clear instructions that we should fast, why to fast or how to fast. In some ways, it assumes that we will fast. For example, Jesus said, “when you fast” not “if you fast.” But there really isn’t much in the Word calling us to fast and teaching us about fasting.
What we do know is that great men and women of God fasted. Jesus fasted. We see Moses fasting for 40 days. Elijah, David, Daniel, Esther and many others in Scripture fasted. All through church history the greatest men and women of God almost all spoke of fasting.
My personal feeling is that you’ll never come to an understanding of the benefit of fasting until you get into a habit of doing it. Once you begin to practice it you’ll see the effects.
Some have likened fasting to a form of prayer. We usually pray with words but when we fast, our whole body is crying out in unceasing groans. We are saying to God, “I want you more than food.”
Many testify that during their fast they felt dry and weary. But afterward, the glory of God was manifested. Keep that in mind as you fast. Don’t expect it to be easy and fun :)
This is already pretty long, so I’ll wait till tomorrow to give you a breakdown of the different types of fasting and a few other practical tips.