Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Day 4 - The Discipline of Fasting

A properly practiced fast is food for the soul.

When we fast, we withdraw ourselves from the craziness and rush of the world, and we make quietness inside ourselves by opening our hearts and minds to God.

The purpose of fasting isn't to obtain what we want from God! God's not a vending machine where you insert a coin and your problem is instantly solved. He's also not a genie in a lamp you get to rub after a day or two of fasting!

The goal of fasting is God’s glorification. Physical health, strength, passion, spiritual discernment, depth in prayer--all part of a long list of benefits for those who fast--should not take God’s place.

If you want your voice to be heard when fasting, then your fasting must be practiced according to the standard required by God, not fueled by your own intentions or according to religious traditions that might go against the Scriptures.

Fasting involves a lot more than just abstinence from food. When fasting make sure that sin does not form a wall in between you and God, and seek, seek to stay more in God’s presence, seek to read the Scriptures, seek to hear what He wants to tell you. Pray, forgive, love and break bread with the hungry, bring in your home the homeless, cover those who have no clothes and be ready to help anyone who needs help!

A well-practiced fast, combined with prayer, will allow God to work in you the change that you have been searching for a long time. You will call Him, and He will say: “Here I am!”