Fasting is an important part of Christianity

[dev553344]

We pray and we fast. But what is fasting. It is going without food for a certain amount of time in petition of prayer to God.

What I have found is that if you desire God to act in your life then provide a fast. And he is more active in your life.

It's important to note that people with medical problems should consult a doctor before fasting. Fasting is appropriate for those that can fast.

Joel 2:12 ESV / 1,136 helpful votes

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

 

[dev553344]

Fasting is important to resisting temptation. It is an old practice that is spoke of in the bible. Something that didn't end in the new testament.

 

[BreadOfLife]

Fasting is important to resisting temptation. It is an old practice that is spoke of in the bible. Something that didn't end in the new testament.

Correct.

Paul calls these disciplines of the flesh, “mortification” because by this denial of the body, we die to the flesh so as to live in the spirit:
Rom. 8:13
"If you live after the flesh, you shall die, but if through the spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live."

Matt. 6:16, Luke 4:2, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23 are additional verses regarding self-mortification through fasting.

 

[dev553344]

Correct.

Paul calls these disciplines of the flesh, “mortification” because by this denial of the body, we die to the flesh so as to live in the spirit:
Rom. 8:13
"If you live after the flesh, you shall die, but if through the spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live."

Matt. 6:16, Luke 4:2, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23 are additional verses regarding self-mortification through fasting.

Yes, it sounds like you got the same lesson out of fasting that I did.

 

[Naomanos]

I am unable to fast due to my hypoglycemia. I run the risk of hypoglycemic shock if I skip meals.

 

[dev553344]

I am unable to fast due to my hypoglycemia. I run the risk of hypoglycemic shock if I skip meals.

Yes I should have mentioned that it is not recommended for people who are limited by medical conditions.

I used to fast monthly and now I have pre-diabetes. So I only fast when needed. I'm still OK to fast though as my pre-diabetes isn't that bad yet.

 

[dev553344]

BTW. @Naomanos good to see you here. I take it you made it thru the COVID-19 illness OK?

 

[Naomanos]

BTW. @Naomanos good to see you here. I take it you made it thru the COVID-19 illness OK?

I have, although I think I may have some long covid symptoms happening. Still have the fatigue and now I am having trouble sleeping at night which wasn't a thing till Covid.

 

[dev553344]

I have, although I think I may have some long covid symptoms happening. Still have the fatigue and now I am having trouble sleeping at night which wasn't a thing till Covid.

Yeah I heard it can have some after effects. Well I pray you'll fully recover. I'm glad you're better.

 

[michaelvpardo]

We pray and we fast. But what is fasting. It is going without food for a certain amount of time in petition of prayer to God.

What I have found is that if you desire God to act in your life then provide a fast. And he is more active in your life.

Joel 2:12 ESV / 1,136 helpful votes

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

I would direct you to chapter 58 of the book of Isaiah and "the fasting pleasing to God." Even the heathen fast as "mortification of the flesh" for spiritual purposes, but I won't be drawn into argument over self righteous practices here. Have a read. There's real spiritual power in Isaiah 58 for those who can receive it.

 

[dev553344]

I would direct you to chapter 58 of the book of Isaiah and "the fasting pleasing to God." Even the heathen fast as "mortification of the flesh" for spiritual purposes, but I won't be drawn into argument over self righteous practices here. Have a read. There's real spiritual power in Isaiah 58 for those who can receive it.

That passage warns not to fast for the destruction of your enemies. But instead fast for the poor and hungry that they have their needs met. Also I think it wise to fast for healings that are needed.

 

[Jane_Doe22]

I am unable to fast due to my hypoglycemia. I run the risk of hypoglycemic shock if I skip meals.

THats totally ok.
If you want to fast, perhaps giving up on something else. I’ve done social media fasts for example.

 

[michaelvpardo]

That passage warns not to fast for the destruction of your enemies. But instead fast for the poor and hungry that they have their needs met. Also I think it wise to fast for healings that are needed.

Yes, but it isn't about self denial through abstinence. Rather it's about self denial by treating others and their needs as more significant than your own.

 

[dev553344]

Yes, but it isn't about self denial through abstinence. Rather it's about self denial by treating others and their needs as more significant than your own.

Sure as the spirit of a fast. The Lord's fast was from food. He was tempted by Satan to turn a stone into bread.

 

[michaelvpardo]

Sure as the spirit of a fast. The Lord's fast was from food. He was tempted by Satan to turn a stone into bread.

Yes, He was, and His response was from scripture that related to the wilderness temptation of Israel in their 40 years of wandering. They were provided with mannah but grumbled against God in their lust for meat. God gave them their desire, but along with a plague.
The Devil tested Jesus according to the biblical promises given to Israel and David, as Messianic promises.

 

[dev553344]

Yes, He was, and His response was from scripture that related to the wilderness temptation of Israel in their 40 years of wandering. They were provided with mannah but grumbled against God in their lust for meat. God gave them their desire, but along with a plague.
The Devil tested Jesus according to the biblical promises given to Israel and David, as Messianic promises.

Interesting. I never saw that until you mentioned it. Thanks!

 

[michaelvpardo]

Interesting. I never saw that until you mentioned it. Thanks!

You're quite welcome and may the Lord bless you in all your desire to know Him. Amen.

 

[Bob Estey]

We pray and we fast. But what is fasting. It is going without food for a certain amount of time in petition of prayer to God.

What I have found is that if you desire God to act in your life then provide a fast. And he is more active in your life.

Joel 2:12 ESV / 1,136 helpful votes

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

People, like myself, with low blood sugar can get very sick if they fast.

 

[dev553344]

People, like myself, with low blood sugar can get very sick if they fast.

I updated the OP to say that people with medical conditions should consult a doctor before fasting. Fasting is appropriate for those that can fast.