what is fasting in the bible?
What is fasting? Biblical Fasting is not just skipping a meal and calling it done. Fasting and praying are depriving yourself of something (food, media, TV, internet, etc.) and spending extra time focused on God and His will for your life and over any situation that hangs heavy on your heart.
benefits of fasting
1. Helps us overcome the calamities of life.
Fasting is the Biblical way to humble ourselves (Psalm 35:13; 69:10). Esther fasted when faced with danger (Esther 4:16). Ezra fasted for protection (Ezra 8:21-28). Jehoshaphat fasted in the time of the invasion of the confederated armies of Canaanites and Syrians (2 Chronicles 20:3).
2. Renews our connection with God.
Jesus said that His disciples will fast when He is gone (Mark 2:20). When we fast, we get our hunger back for the presence of God.
3. Empowers us to fulfill God’s calling in our life.
Most of the people in the OT fasted in a crisis; Jesus fasted for His calling. We should not fast only during problems, but also for our purpose. Anna was fasting for the coming of the redemption of Israel. (Luke 2:37).
4. Defeats the devil.
Once, the disciples of Jesus could not cast out a demon. Jesus said, This kind does not leave, but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Fasting helps to break the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, and empower us to break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).
types of fasts
A Normal Fast – means to abstain from all food
A Partial Fast – means to eliminate certain foods or specific meals
A “Juice” Fast – means to drink only fruit or vegetable juices during meal times
Note: You should always drink water when fasting.
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