Going to narrow this down as much as I can, so that it's not too long. I'll also try to keep it as clean as possible.
Some scriptures regarding fasting potentially being applicable to our times:
(Jesus in response to being questioned about why his disciples didn't' fast; implying they would after the cross.)
(The when here may be implying expectation. When, not if.)
(The fasting portion is removed in the NIV but present in the KJV.)
I previously had a bad experience with fasting myself. I remember fasting for up to eight days asking for God's help with something, and frankly, I just don't remember it being a good experience. I fasted a lot in that time, actually, and I don't really feel like I had God's help very much in that time. At the very least, I would have appreciated a clear "no" but I didn't get that either. I understand the purposes of fasting. (Mourning, guidance, God's protection, etc) but I don't feel like it helps. "Feel" being the keyword here, which our feelings tend to be inaccurate.
Things got worse for me, so I gave up on fasting, despite what the Bible says, but I am willing to open my heart up to the thought of it again, but looking for guidance from other Christians who have some understanding of it or a testimony. I felt so rejected after fasting, but it would give hope to hear that other people have had better experiences.
Some scriptures regarding fasting potentially being applicable to our times:
“Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them . . . then they will fast.”
Matt. 9:15
(Jesus in response to being questioned about why his disciples didn't' fast; implying they would after the cross.)
Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be. Matt. 6:16
(The when here may be implying expectation. When, not if.)
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Mark 9:29
(The fasting portion is removed in the NIV but present in the KJV.)
I previously had a bad experience with fasting myself. I remember fasting for up to eight days asking for God's help with something, and frankly, I just don't remember it being a good experience. I fasted a lot in that time, actually, and I don't really feel like I had God's help very much in that time. At the very least, I would have appreciated a clear "no" but I didn't get that either. I understand the purposes of fasting. (Mourning, guidance, God's protection, etc) but I don't feel like it helps. "Feel" being the keyword here, which our feelings tend to be inaccurate.
Things got worse for me, so I gave up on fasting, despite what the Bible says, but I am willing to open my heart up to the thought of it again, but looking for guidance from other Christians who have some understanding of it or a testimony. I felt so rejected after fasting, but it would give hope to hear that other people have had better experiences.