AFTER THE FAST

Fasting means abstaining from all or certain foods, and it is usually done at the beginning of the year in numerous churches. Some churches select the type and length of the fast for their members to follow. Individuals who are fasting on their own will select the fast and the length that best meet their needs. In either case, for the best spiritual results, fasting should be coupled with prayer and the right attitude.

The Bible records several kinds of fast (normal, absolute, or partial) which can be seen in the written stories of Jesus, Israel, Moses, Daniel, King Darius, Esther, Ezra, Elijah, King David, King Ahab, Nehemiah, citizens of Ninevah, Cornelius, Paul, and believers in the book of Acts. Additionally, the Bible records that people fasted because God instructed them to do so when they faced enemy opposition, sought answers and direction from God, repented and requested forgiveness, and commemorated painful historical events.

Fasting, which is done by believers today, may be for some of the above reasons; however, in Isaiah 58, after hearing Israel’s complaints concerning their fasting, God revealed His chosen fast, which was beneficial for maintaining a godly lifestyle. The results include illumination, health flourishing, righteousness, guidance, satisfaction, and answered prayers, which were coupled with the lifting of cares, deliverance, repentance, and sensitivity to the hungry, homeless, and naked.

These favorable and priceless actions, which God stated we want manifested in our lives, not only during a fast but also after the fast has been completed. To see this happen, it requires believers to fast and pray continually, not just at the beginning of the year. We must do the phase coined by Kenneth Hagin, “the fasted life.”

Fasting continually will assist us in discipling our bodies to say no to temptations and to make sacrifices that advance the kingdom as we strive to minister to those in need, and in so doing, we will please God.