Even though eating is necessary, we would all agree that eating has gotten a lot of people into trouble. Eve ate the forbidden fruit. The flood was preceded by a people that were busy eating and drinking. The children of Israel, under Aaron's leadership, sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play and they danced around the golden calf. Isaac wanted one more meal and thereby sought to mix the carnal with the spiritual in giving the final blessing to his sons.

Eating and drinking is one of the certain signs of the soon return of the Saviour. Cafes by the thousands and even cafeterias are open twenty-four hours a day! The center of attraction in the average church is the kitchen and the dining room in spite of the fact that Paul said to eat at home. The Bible has nothing to say about eating at the church, but it has a lot to say about fasting. Yet, we practice the one that's not mentioned and poke fun at the one that is mentioned.

Let me first give you the Scriptural illustrations in the Bible concerning fasting and then some practical suggestions about how to fast and when to fast. The great revivals that we read about in the Bible were preceded by fasting. Nehemiah sat down and wept and mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. That was the beginning of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the mighty revival as recorded in the 8th chapter of Nehemiah when the Bible was read and the people wept and repented,which brought about a holy day and the great statement, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10.

Look at Ezra 8:21, "Then I proclaimed a fast there ... to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance." Verse 23, "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and He was intreated of us." In Isaiah 58:6 the fast is "to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free."

The old wicked city of Nineveh, with its teeming thousands, fell on its face to fast and revival came in less time than it would take to clean the streets of that city. The great prophet Daniel, with his long range vision, received his wisdom while fasting. "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession." Daniel 9:3. And then in verses 20 through 22, we find Daniel receiving the wisdom and understanding from the man Gabriel. Praise the Lord, Gabriel was caused to fly swiftly at the response of a man who would pray and fast and confess his sin!

Now remember, the theme of this book is not just to strengthen folks physically, except as it leads them to surrender their lives to Jesus for real spiritual service, which of course is reasonable. Again, let me say that the physical body has no essential importance apart from the purpose and design of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. In the Book of Esther, we find that the entire nation of Israel was delivered from impending doom and death and destruction because Esther and Mordecai called a fast.

Now let's see what Jesus said about fasting. He certainly left no doubt concerning this great truth in that He fasted Himself. He simply warns us against hypocritical fasting, appearing unto men to fast, or bragging about a fast. The abuse of fasting has been seen in fasting unto men instead of unto God. Let me say right here that just separation from food, even though it may be a blessing to you physically and it will be, will not achieve spiritual purposes unless we fast unto the Lord.

One of the dangers in fasting is to go a day without food and then eat twice as much the next day to catch up. Another is to worry about yourself or be disturbed about your appetite and refuse to pray and read the Bible and think in spiritual terms. It would make the average person or home over if once a week the time it takes to cook a meal and eat it would be spent in Bible reading and prayer and real dedication. And then if the money that the meal would cost would be given to missions, it would be amazing at the amount of money that would be given to missions. I've asked our radio friends to just fast one meal a month and send that gift to help buy food for the alcoholics and drug addicts that have spent all in riotous living.

One of the reasons I know that fasting is right is because there is such rebellion against it, even on the part of church people. The average preacher pokes fun at fasting and prefers the subject not to be discussed in his pulpit. Jesus made two statements that would convince any fair mind that fasting is right when He said, "They will fast." And then on the other occasion, in Matthew 17: 21, He said to His disturbed and embarrassed disciples, after a stinging rebuke about their inability to heal the child, "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

Look at that mighty revival book of Joel with its stirring call to repentance and the announcement of impending doom, calling the people to fast, including all the little ones �?Joel 2. And then, my friend, if anybody ought to fast, the Gentiles ought to fast for these reasons: Simon Peter, a devoted Jew, was fasting when he got his call to go to the Gentile, Cornelius, Acts 10: 20.

In Acts 13, we see the origin of the mission program beginning as the church fasted and the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." And as you know, Paul became the missionary to the Gentiles and magnified his office. Paul and the mariners, as recorded in Acts 27, fasted fourteen days. It was then that the angels stood by them in the night, saying, "Fear not, Paul . . . God hath given thee all them that sail with thee." And Paul said, "Be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." Fasting will help to carry you through the storm when it is linked with believing prayer.

We like to quote from the prince of preachers, Paul, but our flesh shrinks back when we read II Corinthians 11:23-28 in which we hear him say, "In fastings often." In Luke 2:37, Anna "served God with fastings." In II Corinthians 6:4-5, "Approving ourselves . . . in fastings." My beloved, these are enough Scriptures and examples to convince any skeptical doubter with a fair mind and an open heart.

The Psalmist said, "I humbled my soul with fasting." There's nothing that cuts away and burns away the proud flesh like fasting. Paul went so far as to say that the belly could become one's god and calls them the enemies of the cross. In Philippians 3:18, he said that there are many of them. Even though we may decorate, glamorize, glorify, spray cologne on this old flesh, Paul still calls it, "Our vile body." Philippians 3:21.

Oh, at the time we spend, and unnecessarily so, trying to pacify the flesh and the older the flesh gets, the more it takes to pacify it. When a baby is born, after a few weeks, any little old toy or rubber pacifier stuck in its mouth will make it happy. But as it grows older, it takes a little train, a tricycle, a wagon, a bicycle, a scooter, an automobile, and then instead of a rubber pacifier, it takes a cigarette or a cigar. No wonder Paul said, "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing."

Now let's look at the practical side and make some suggestions. When should a person fast? How long should they fast? Should they drink anything while they fast? How should they break the fast? What should they do while they are fasting? These are good questions. Now let me try to answer them to your satisfaction. First of all, when should I fast? Well, I believe that is a personal matter. I would suggest that you fast one day a week. However, this would be altered by the burdens that come, the leadership of the Spirit, and the spiritual needs you may face.

Many times one needs to go on a semi-fast or maybe a fruit fast or natural food fast for a week just to tone up his physical system and give his body a chance to clean house. If I were to feel a sore throat coming on, I may fast three or four days. If I have an affliction of some sort that comes unannounced, I will fast and pray and read my Bible until it's gone and have God's people, of course, to pray for me and pray with me.

If God leads you to go on an extended fast, don't be afraid of it. Fasting does not cause weakness primarily, but it is the poison in the system that rises forth. For instance, if you go without your cup of coffee or cola drink, you begin to get a headache. That's your system crying out for what it has been used to getting. A Christian has no need to be a slave to a habit like that when Jesus breaks every fetter and sets the captive free.

John Wesley and other great Christians of all the ages have practiced fasting. He said when he felt his power waning and a coldness coming over his heart, he fasted and prayed a few days and God heard and answered. You know, it's strange, but we quote these great men of God as though they were some super duper creation when actually, they were made out of the same kind of dirt we are made out of, except they just lived surrendered and kept the flesh humble by fasting and prayer and obedience to God.

A complete fast is going without any sort of food or liquid, including water. Nineveh did that. Most of the time, I think it is good to drink plenty of water and by that I mean pure water. Sometimes unsweetened fruit juice is good for our systems and at other times a little taste of honey which is so pure and such a natural sweet that it does not interfere with the cleansing process of the system. Personally, I think it would be a very healthy thing for one to go on a juice fast for a number of days every once in a while, drinking fruit juices first and then going on to vegetable juices. At least, I've found it to be very helpful to me.

Again, let me say, it is not the amount of food that you eat, but the kind of food and the condition of your body when it receives it. I find that one meal a day is ample when you have the right kind of juices and fruits. I think it is well to rest and relax when fasting, especially on an extended fast. Walking in the sunshine with deep breathing is very helpful.

The question is raised, "What about my children?" Begin to teach them at an early age to fast and when hunger becomes acute, give them a piece of fruit or a glass of juice. Teach them what the Bible says about it, but don't give them milk when they are fasting. I found out after the age of thirty that I could learn to like anything if it was good for me. It is a matter of disciplining your appetite.

Let me remind you again that white flour makes a good paste. The devil has sought to take everything that was a symbol of Christ and corrupt it. For instance, bread. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." Look at the condition of the bread today. Jesus said, "I am the light." And so the beer company says, "Get the light idea." Even the liquor stores have lighted themselves up with plenty of light. The Word of God is pure. Now there is a beer put out that claims to be pure. Also, the Gospel is certified. There's a beer that is put out that says it is certified. No wonder Paul said that the devil appears as an angel of light.

When breaking a fast, be careful not to overeat. Eat a fruit salad or a vegetable salad. Vegetable salads can become the broom to sweep out the stomach. It makes fasting a lot better if the whole family agrees on it and would set up a time when they fast. But if the whole family does not, just exercise your will power and fast anyhow. Don't fuss and argue about it and certainly steer away from a self-righteous attitude or the spirit of condemnation upon those who will not fast because you certainly miss your blessing. When fasting becomes Pharisaical, it becomes sinful.

I think it is a sin to eat when we are not hungry, in spite of the old-fashioned suggestion, "Well, eat to keep from getting hungry." Eating when one is not hungry is like putting gasoline in the tank when the tank is already full.

"And he speak this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not life up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Lk. 18:9-14).

In this parable, the Lord Jesus Christ teaches that salvation cannot be attained through religious works and good deeds. The self-righteous Pharisee left the temple in an unsaved condition before God. The repentant publican was saved by humbling himself and seeking God's mercy. Christ is not making light of the importance of fasting here any more than He is making light of the importance of tithing. But neither fasting, nor tithing, nor any other religious duty can justify a man before a holy God.

Fasting must not be for show

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly" (Matt. 6:16-18).

God hates hypocritical religion, which is man's attempt to appear holy before other men without possessing true holiness before God. In this passage, Christ rebukes the kind of fasting that is done for the sake of appearing spiritual before men. Yet again, He is not making light of the practice of fasting itself when done properly. In fact, He takes for granted the fact that His followers will fast. He did not say "IF thou fastest," but rather, "WHEN thou fastest." And He made a wonderful and definite promise that those who practice biblical fasting will be rewarded openly by God the Father.

Fasting is not to be a religious ritual

"I fast twice in the week..." (Lk. 18:12).

This is that statement of a Pharisee who was practicing religion in an attempt to justify himself before God. He observed a regular period of fasting. Nowhere, though, does the Bible require such a practice. Fasting is not to be simply a ritual observed once a week, or once a month, or prior to the Lord's Supper, etc. Fasting, rather, is something that is practiced when a special need arises and when the Holy Spirit leads.

Fasting is unacceptable and ineffectual without a right relationship with God

"Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

"Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" (Isa. 58:3-9).

"But unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?" (Zech. 7:5-6).

God rebukes the hypocritical fasts of the apostate children of Israel. They were going through the motions of true religion, but their hearts were far from God and they were living in direct disobedience to His law. No religious duty is acceptable before God which does not proceed from a regenerate life and which is not guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

Biblical fasting is not for physical health.

Though various sorts of fastings may or may not promote better health, this is never the purpose given in the Bible for fasting. Many popular Christian books emphasize the importance of fasting for physical benefit, but such fasting is not biblical fasting. We cannot say that fasting is or is not good for the health, and we cannot say it either is wrong or right to fast for health. We are saying, simply, that the Bible does not speak of fasting in light of health.

Fasting is not an ascetic practice

"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh" (Col. 2:20-23).

There were false teachers in Colosse who were promoting the idea that spirituality is achieved through various ascetic practices, through following a manmade list of does and don'ts. This included special dietary rules and fasting as a means of denying the body. The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox monks of certain orders practice this type of thing. They cloister themselves apart from normal interaction with people; they follow rigid schedules of work, diet, and meditation; they observe regular times of fasting, solitude, and quietness; they punish their bodies in various ways, some even beating themselves with whips. This ascetic life is thought to be a means whereby the individual monks can work out their salvation and draw nearer to God. Hindu and Buddhist priests also practice asceticism in an attempt to attain higher levels of spirituality in their false religious systems.

The Apostle Paul warned against this type of thing. Neither salvation nor spirituality are achieved through asceticism. One is forgiven of sin and given eternal life through a saving relationship with Christ, through repentance and faith in Christ's death upon the cross. And one grows in practical holiness through walking in fellowship with the resurrected Christ. This is what the Apostle Paul reminded the Christians at Colosse who were in danger of being deceived by the false ascetics:

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross ... Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" (Col. 2:8-16).

Fasting is an important part of the Christian life and ministry, but we must be careful that we do not think that spirituality comes through punishing the body and observing various rituals and dietary laws. Spirituality is being in fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Fasting does not necessarily guarantee that one's prayers will be answered.

In 2 Samuel 12 we have the record of how David fasted and prayed in an attempt to get God to preserve the life of the child which had been conceived through the adulterous relationship with Bathsheba. God did not answer that prayer nor honor David's fast in that particular case. This reminds us that fasting, while an important practice in spiritual warfare, is not a guarantee that we will get what we are desiring from God. Earnest prayer with fasting does often result in the answer one is seeking from God, but it is no absolute guarantee. God is always sovereign in answering prayer, and we must always submit to His will.

Fasting is a personal matter.

Fasting is important and useful in Christian life and service, but it is not something that can be commanded and it is not something by which we are to judge the spiritual condition of others. The Nazarite vow is an illustration of this. God did not demand that people take a Nazarite vow (except in a few unusual cases, such as that of Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist). It was a free will vow an individual could make to God beyond the required duties of the law. Fasting is of this nature.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTING

The importance of fasting is seen in the number of positive references in the Old and New Testaments.

There are over 30 positive examples, commands, and instructions in Scripture about fasting.

Judges 20:26--Israel fasted for victory in war.
1 Sam. 1:6-7--Hannah fasted for a son
1 Sam. 7:6--Israel fasted in repentance
1 Sam. 31:13--Men of Jabeshgilead fasted in mourning for Saul
2 Sam. 1:12--David and his men fasted in mourning for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel
2 Sam. 12--David fasted for mercy upon his child
1 Kings 21:27--Ahab fasted for mercy
2 Chron. 20:3--Jehoshaphat and Israel fasted for help and protection
Ezra 8:21-23--Ezra and the people fasted for help and protection
Nehemiah 1:4--Nehemiah fasted in mourning and for help upon Jerusalem
Nehemiah 9:1,2--Israel fasting in mourning and repentance
Esther 4:16--Esther and friends fasted for victory
Esther 9:3--Fasting is mentioned as having had a role in the victory
Psalm 35:13,14--Fasting in prayer and mourning
Psalm 69: 10,11--Fasting in prayer and mourning
Isaiah 58:6-8--The fast which pleases God
Jeremiah 36:9--Israel fasted for mercy
Joel 1:14; 2:12,15--God commanded fasting and repentance
Jonah 3:5--The Ninevites fasted in repentance for mercy
Daniel 9:3--Daniel fasted for wisdom
Matthew 4:2--Jesus fasted when tempted in the wilderness
Matthew 6:17-18--Jesus promised that the Father would bless fasting
Matthew 9:14-15--Jesus said his disciples would fast
Matthew 17:21--Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic strongholds
Mark 9:29--Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic powers
Luke 2:37--Fasting was part of Anna's service to God
Acts 13:2--Fasting was part of the ministry of the workers at Antioch
Acts 13:3--Ordination was accompanied by fasting Acts 14:23--Ordination was accompanied by fasting
1 Cor. 7:5--Fasting and prayer is the only proper reason for abstinence from the marital relationship
2 Cor. 6:5--Fasting was one way Paul approved himself as a minister of Jesus Christ
2 Cor. 11:27--Paul fasted often

These examples and instructions regarding fasting cannot be taken lightly. We are told that the examples of Scripture are as important as are its direct commands--1 Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4--and these verses speak specifically of the Old Testament examples. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Pattern (1 Pet. 1:21). Christ's fasting during His temptation in the wilderness is our example, just as His prayers during the temptations in the garden are our examples. Also we are told that the Apostle Paul is to be imitated--Phil. 3:17; 4:9. Paul put before us the example of frequent fasting (2 Cor. 11:27).

The simple fact that the Holy Spirit chose to put before God's people so many positive examples of fasting in itself reveals the importance of this spiritual practice.

Fasting is one of the ways whereby a minister of Christ approves himself.

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings" (2 Cor. 6:4-5).

Here, fasting is mentioned right alongside such things as patience, pureness, and knowledge. Paul obviously considered fasting to be a very important part of the ministry.

The Lord Jesus made a definite promise about fasting.

When one fasts in the proper manner for the proper reason, "the Father which seeth in secret SHALL reward thee openly" (Mat. 6:17-18). This is one of the most wonderful promises in the Bible and cannot be dismissed lightly. God would not make such a promise if He did not consider fasting important. Christ never discouraged proper fasting. He condemned and corrected false practices, but never did He discourage scriptural fasting. In fact, He took for granted that His followers would fast. In Matthew 6:17, He did not say, "IF thou fastest." He said, "WHEN thou fastest."

The Lord Jesus said very plainly that His disciples WOULD fast after His departure from the earthly scene.

"Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast" (Mat. 9:14-15).

Jesus never discouraged fasting. He practiced it and said His followers would practice it. Like all other aspects of spiritual living, Christ corrected false ideas and abuses surrounding fasting, but He did not discourage it nor treat it as something unimportant.

God's choicest servants have practiced fasting throughout the centuries.

If fasting is unnecessary or unimportant, the Lord's best people have been greatly misled in their thinking! Behold Samuel's mother fasting while others were feasting (1 Sam. 1:6-7). Behold David, the man after God's own heart, fasting. Behold Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and Mordecai, the godly king Jehoshaphat, Daniel, Samuel, Anna the prophetess, Paul--all fasting. Behold the Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, fasting. Christians today who practice fasting for biblical reasons are in excellent company! It is obvious that God's people of all ages who fasted knew something which those today who do not fast, or who say fasting is unnecessary, or who relegate the practice to an Old Testament or Jewish custom, do not know.

Fasting and prayer is the only spiritual practice that is to interfere with the physical aspect of the marital relationship.

"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency" (1 Cor. 7:1-5).

God warns that husbands and wives must be careful to meet one another's physical needs. This is one of the divinely ordained functions of marriage: "... to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband" (1 Cor. 7:2).Only one thing is to be allowed to break into regular sexual relationship between married couples, and that is fasting and prayer. Again, we note that the Bible does not command that Christians fast, but it takes it for granted that they will and sets out to regulate the practice.

Fasting is essential for the breaking down of certain demonic strongholds.

"And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall removed; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Mat. 17:18-21).

This should settle the question of whether or not fasting is an important part of the Christian life. The Lord Jesus said it is an essential part of spiritual warfare, and those who war against satanic strongholds know this to be a fact! There are indeed demonic strongholds that can be broken by NOTHING but prayer AND fasting.

WHEN SHOULD WE FAST?

1. Fast when sorely tempted (Mat. 4:2).
2. Fast when wisdom is earnestly desired (Dan. 9:3).
3. Fast when help and protection are needed (Ezra 8:21-23; 2 Chron. 20:3; Jer. 36:9).
4. Fast when victory is desired over strong demonic powers (Mat. 17:21; Mk. 9:29).
5. Fast when victory is desired in seemingly impossible situations (Est. 4:10-17; 9:31; Neh. 1:4).
6. Fast when something is earnestly desired from God and the answer has not come through prayer alone (1 Sam. 1:6-7).
7. Fast when in mourning for loved ones or the defeat of God's people (2 Sam. 1:12).
8. Fast when new ministries are launched and when men go forth to proclaim God's Word and battle spiritual enemies (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23).
9. Fast when involved in spiritual ministry (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27)
10. Fast during times of special repentance, confession, and revival (Joel 1:14; 2:12; 2:15; Neh. 9:1-2).

WHY IS FASTING IMPORTANT?

Fasting is important because of spiritual warfare (Mat. 17:21).

When we fast, we are not forcing God to do something but are resisting supernatural strongholds and powers. Someone might say, "Why is this necessary when Christ has all power?" I do not know the answer to this question, but I do know that Christ said, "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

Fasting demonstrates the earnestness and desire of the heart--Heb. 11:6.

God sees the hearts of men, but the Bible says He requires open evidence of the heart's desire--Joel 2:12. "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."

This is seen in Abraham's offering of Isaac. God knew that Abraham would obey and give up the beloved son, but He required Abraham to go through with the act up to the very point of driving the knife into Isaac's heart. Only then did God say, "For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me" (Gen. 22:12).

Fasting can be seen as one way of evidencing the earnestness and sincerity of our hearts toward God in matters of prayer. We can say that such things as fasting are not necessary since God knows our hearts, but examples such as the one about Abraham and his son show that God does require evidence of our faith and earnestness.

Fasting helps keep the body under subjection.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

The body continually desires its own way. Its lusts cry out for fulfillment, and the process of fasting is in itself a subduing of the bodily appetites. The Apostle Paul knew that big battles are won through victory in small skirmishes, and wars are won through victory in individual battles. Daniel first had to conquer the small skirmish of his own bodily appetites as a young man before he could conquer the larger battle of refusing to obey the solemn law of the king regarding prayer as an old man. Victory had to be gained over food before victory could be gained over the lions.

This is one reason so few church members attend prayer meetings. Too often, we haven't won the victory of prayer in our daily lives. Too often, we aren't in the regular habit of subduing the flesh in order to serve the Spirit. The Bible says Eli the priest was fat (1 Sam. 4:18). He did not subdue his bodily craving for rich food. The fearful truth is that his carelessness in the area of food carried over into every area of his life and ministry. He allowed his bodily craving for sleep to keep him from maintaining the lamp in the tabernacle through the night. The lamp went out each night, although it was to be kept lit. The failure to subdue his own body was kin to and connected with his failure to discipline his sons. God said that Eli loved the fat offerings just as much as his wicked sons did (1 Sam. 2:29). Eli was not committing immorality with the women at the door of the tabernacle as his sons were, but his unsubdued love for food and ease was hurtful to his ministry. Eli should have been fasting and working instead of feasting and sitting!

HOW LONG IS A BIBLICAL FAST?

The Bible sets no specific time length for fasting. Daniel fasted 21 days. Esther and Mordecai fasted 3 days and nights. The Lord Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. But frequently the Bible simply does not say how long people fasted. We are not told, for example, how long Ezra fasted before making the journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:21-23). Fasting must be a matter of individual freedom under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It can be one meal or many meals, according to the need of the hour and the direction of God. Romans 14 speaks of this sort of thing and says, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Rom. 14:5).

WHAT IS A BIBLICAL FAST?

Again, there are no rigid guidelines for fasting. In Daniel's fast of 21 days, we are told that he ate "no pleasant bread, nor flesh, nor wine" (Dan. 10:3). Apparently, Daniel did eat something, but he abstained from pleasant foods. God has not given specific instructions about fasting because it is to be a private matter between an individual and the Lord. A nursing mother, for example, would be unwise to go entirely without food for any significant length of time, because not only is she dependent upon that food, but her infant is also. God has promised, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psa. 32:8). This precious promise applies to fasting. When should you fast? For how long? What should you abstain from as you fast? God will lead you very personally and clearly in all of these things if you are walking in fellowship with Him.

While the Bible does not spell out every detail of fasting, it does give the following basic guidelines, as follows: