Focus 40: Day 13 - March 23, 2011

The Power of Fasting

Most Christians and non-Christians rarely discuss or understood fasting. I remember, as a new Christian, when we were asked by our pastor or one of the spiritual leaders in the congregation to fast from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM So often we would watch our watches, or the clock on the wall, waiting for 6:00 PM to arrive. On a few occasions, a meal was prepared in advance and the alarm clock set sharply for 6:00 PM so we could begin eating immediately. As I look back on those days of my early Christian experiences, it appears we were more concerned about eating than fasting.

Later, as I read the Bible, and other books about fasting, I discovered that fasting is a vital teaching in both the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, I learned that fasting, coupled with prayer and a humble spirit, is a powerful weapon in the life of a Christian. The Hebrew word for fasting means "to cover the mouth," and the Greek word for fasting means "to abstain from food." In each instance, the meaning is the same. We cover our mouths to prevent food from entering our bodies. Fasting is a time of dedicating both body and soul to God by removing fleshly distractions from our lives. Fasting allows the spiritual resources of heaven to occupy our thoughts and affections. We are removed, for a while, to a new dimension of spiritual reality; our walk by faith, and not be sight, takes on a new meaning as we make a connection with God in new and exciting ways.

Therefore, fasting is any self-imposed appetite-denying discipline. Consequently, fasting takes on a negative aspect for the flesh; in contrast, it becomes a positive force in the Spirit. There are, for example, a number of illustrations in the Bible that confirm the benefits of fasting. Here are just a few of them:

1. Deliverance from the Adversary—Esther 4:1-3 (NIV). When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he only went as far as the king's gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth and ashes was allowed to enter. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

2. Jesus in the Wilderness—Matthew 4:1-2 (NIV). Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting, for forty days and for nights, he was hungry.

3. For Divine Revelation and Confirmation—Acts 13:1-2 (NIV). In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers…While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Since those early days as a new Christian and my first exposure to fasting, I have learned the true meaning of fasting for spiritual growth and divine enlightenment. A fitting conclusion regarding the importance of fasting may be summarized as follows: (1) As Christians we can and ought to fast on behalf of our nation and those who provide leadership at the local, state, and national levels. (2) Fasting will help us to overcome temptation as we face our social, physical, moral, and spiritual wilderness. (3) May we fast and pray for men and women who will petition God for his guidance and direction of Holy Spirit as we seek to do his will.

Dr. Alvin Lewis, Retired, Former Pastor, Central Community Church of God, Jackson, Mississippi