BIBLICAL BRIEFS 25
Fasting is the deliberate decision to abstain from food and drinks for a certain period of time, because of a spiritual motivation or reason. Sometimes it involves an abstinence of something that you consider important, eg. sexual intercourse (1 Cor. 7:5), or watching tv, or similar things. Sometimes people fast by making selective choices, eg. the so-called Daniël-fast where only fruit and vegetables are allowed. In Biblical times, people fasted for various reasons; because of repentance of sins (1 Sam. 7:6), seeking God’s guidance (Acts 20:26-28), as part of spiritual devotion (Luke 2:36-37), to stop demonic activity (Matt.17:21), to affirm leaders/apostles/prophets (Acts 14:23), to plead for help in times of need (Ezra 8:21-23), to seek greater revelation from God (Dan. 9: 2-3), to identify a problem (Jos. 7:6), and so forth. The main purpose of fasting is to humble yourself before the Lord and seek his will. It is a spiritual action that makes your voice to be heard on high (Isa. 58:4). Fasting should be conducted in privacy without display to others, with no hint of spiritual arrogance and self-righteousness (Matt. 6:16; Luke 18:12-14). Fasting is NOT a recipe to manipulate God (Jer. 14:12). Obedience and a serving heart are still of much greater importance to Him than fasting (Isa. 58: 5-11). Moses, Elijah, and Jesus have fasted for 40 days, and such a deep commitment can only be sanctioned by God as part of a preparation for a particularly great calling. We have to bear in mind that the kingdom does not involve food and drinks, or the abstinence thereof (Rom.14:17) – every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good with a grateful heart, this certainly is a gift of God (Ecc.3:13)! So – “Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.” (Ecc. 9:7). If things are not going well, fasting is a way to make the light shine through and for healing to start. God never asks of you senseless things that can threaten your life and health, neither religious formulas. With the decision to fast you should absolutely be sure not lie to yourself concerning the true motive of your heart.
Dr. Tom Gouws
