I. The Definition: What is Fasting? Fasting is the intentional, voluntary abstinence from food—and at times, other physical comforts—for a specific spiritual purpose. It is not a dietary fad or a “cleansing” of the physical body for health alone; it is the forensic subjugation of the flesh to the spirit. In the biblical record, fasting is the “defense of the truth” in action, proving that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). It is a physical declaration that our ultimate dependence is upon the Creator rather than the creation.
II. The Objective: Why Must We Fast? The purpose of fasting is to sharpen the soul’s focus and to humble the heart before the Almighty. We fast to:
- Seek Divine Direction: To clear the noise of the world and hear the voice of God.
- Afflict the Soul for Sin: As an act of repentance and brokenness.
- Break Spiritual Strongholds: To access the “costly grace” required for spiritual warfare.
- Prepare for Mission: As Christ did before His earthly ministry began. When we fast, we are not “buying” God’s favor; we are aligning our will with His. The scripture warns against the hypocrisy of outward show, commanding that when we fast, we should “anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret” (Matthew 6:17-18).
III. The Precedent: The Scriptural Exhibit The Bible provides a set of diverse fasts that serve as our blueprints:
- The Absolute Fast: Neither food nor water, as seen with Moses on Sinai or Esther before the King (Esther 4:16).
- The Partial Fast: Restricting specific dainties or “pleasant bread.” This is exemplified by Daniel, who sought the Lord by saying, “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth… till three whole weeks were fulfilled” (Daniel 10:3). His resolve was not about the vegetables, but about the refusal to be defiled by a godless system.
- The Supernatural Fast: The forty-day fasts of Elijah and our Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness, which preceded moments of monumental revelation and victory.
IV. The Mandate: Should We Do It? For the believer awaiting the Great Day of the Lord, fasting is not optional; it is expected. Jesus did not say “if” ye fast, but “Moreover when ye fast…” (Matthew 6:16). It is a vital tool for the remnant to maintain their “excellent spirit” in a world that has gone mad with consumption. In these latter days, where the cultural pressure to assimilate is as fierce as it was in Babylon, the discipline of the fast serves as our shield and our sanctuary. It keeps the heart soft and the ears open to the King who is at the door.
V. The Verdict Fasting is the most potent weapon of the disciplined life. It humbles the pride of life, subdues the lust of the flesh, and prepares the believer for the weight of glory. Whether it is the partial fast of Daniel or the absolute fast of Esther, the result is the same: a spirit that is uncompromised and a faith that is immovable. Stand fast in this discipline, for the Bridegroom comes, and we must be found watching and waiting.