Holy Habit #7: Fasting

Fasting: Why do devoted disciples fast?

Today’s Question: Why do devoted disciples fast?

WHY should I fast? Isaiah 58:6-12 (NLT)

If you don’t get your self under control, your life will become out of control. The practical aspect of fasting is that fasting helps you say “no” to yourself so that you can say “yes” to God! Fasting helps you gain control over your body and over your life. If you struggle with control issues, it’s time to look at the holy habit of fasting!

Matthew 25:36-40

Fasting unleashes needed breakthroughs in your personal life (v. 8) Deliverance comes through fasting. Healing is promoted through fasting. Divine direction is released through fasting. Divine protection is activated through fasting. Long awaited answers to prayer happen through fasting. Daniel 10:12-14 (NLT)

Help for others is motivated through fasting. Radiance is illuminated through fasting. Personal vitality is restored through fasting. Restoration is started through fasting. Fasting Insight: If you desire to draw closer to God—try fasting! If you need a personal breakthrough—decide to do a holy fast. If you are being attacked by the enemy and you need deliverance, commit to fasting. If you need an answer to prayer…If you need clarity in your life…if you need God to move on your behalf—as you focus on God through fasting, your personal needs will be a point of focus before the throne of heaven. Fasting has the power and potential to unlock the breakthrough you need today!

WHEN should I fast? Luke 5:33-35 (NKJV)

You should fast when you need a special time to focus on the Lord. You should fast when you need a supernatural breakthrough in your life. You should fast when you desire to draw closer to God. James 4:8a; Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Fasting Insight: When should you fast? You should fast when the Holy Spirit is leading you to do so. Spirit led fasting will lead to Spirit-powered breakthroughs. If you are sick and tired of being stuck…If you are in bondage to a sin pattern…If you need a new and fresh anointing on your ministry…If you need clarity and direction…If you want to draw closer to God—then now is the time to consider a holy fast!

HOW should I fast? Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT)

Fast in a way that it is not obvious to others (who are not fasting with you). When you fast, let there be a pep in your step and a joy in your spirit. When you fast for the right reasons, in the right seasons, and for right audience—God will reward you! Fasting Insight: Fast in such a way that people will not know that you are fasting. Obviously, you can let others know who are fasting with you in a church group fast. When you fast for your Father alone in secret, your Father will richly reward you openly. So when you fast…Fast for your Father’s attention only!

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Review: Fasting: Why do devoted disciples fast?

WHY should I fast? To draw closer to God. To break the chains of bondage. To put others ahead of yourself. To unleash needed breakthroughs. WHEN should I fast? When you need a special time to focus on the Lord. When you need a supernatural breakthrough in your life. When you desire to draw closer to God. HOW should I fast? In secret With joy For the right reasons Today’s Big Idea: When you fast, you are personally drawing closer to God and inviting Him to do the supernatural in your life.

Action Steps:

Ask the Holy Spirit if you need to commit to a special time of prayer and fasting. Plan out your next fast. As a church, we are fasting in January for a 10 day fast! Pick out a Bible reading plan to begin your journey of drawing closer to God. The church has a 2-year read through the Bible plan on YouVersion Bible app.