Fasting: Should I Fast?

[pugby]

Fasting is not supposed to be easy. Anything we do to draw nearer to God is going to be tough and we will be attacked.

 

[Ivy]

I think, in a way, it might be best to expect, the first few times you fast, that you're likely to be very preoccupied with food--it might not feel like a spiritual experience at all, and a person could be tempted to think it's a useless exercise--I'm not very spiritual, all I thought of was pizza instead of God---etc. etc.

But after a few fasts, you gain strength in your mind and your thoughts really do stop revolving around food the whole time. It's just important, I feel, not to put your expectations of your own spiritual state too high in the beginning--but just to persevere past the first couple attempts.

It does get better.

I can't believe it, what I did--our cong. was supposed to be doing a fast this Wed., and I completely forgot about it!

 

[If Not For Grace]

I think, in a way, it might be best to expect, the first few times you fast, that you're likely to be very preoccupied with food--.

But after a few fasts,....--but just to persevere past the first couple attempts.

It does get better.

I Fail, fail and fail some more..I feel worse off for trying..normal?

 

[Izzy23]

Doing a fast today--think of me.

I'm part of a Messianic cong. and on the Yom Kippur fast, many people don't drink water, either. (It's only a 24 hour fast.) In some respects it's easier because you don't feel as hungry, but I always found I didn't feel good for a few days after an absolute fast, felt sluggish, bound up etc. This year I went back to just a little water and felt much better after the fast....though I was hungrier during it.

I love fasting when I'm doing it, but hate the thought of it when I'm not! My mind usually feels much more clear during a fast, which helps with focus in prayer.

Also, when I've been having trouble with being short-tempered, after the fast is over, I seem to have control over that again.

This is how I fast. 24 hour period w/o food or water. I start my fast at sundown and conclude at the same time 24 hours later. Our Lord is so worthy and I don't fast near enough...just because we love Him.

Peace
Izzy

 

[jacquidube]

Sometimes I've done a fast by not eating all day and then having just fruit in the evening.

It's really hard if you have to be in the kitchen, though.

Should I tell a silly-sounding fast I went on once?.....okay, I will I fasted from worrying--everytime I'd have a fearful or worried thought, I'd sing "What a Mighty God We Serve" either silently in my head or out loud (sometimes *real loud). ;-) That was fun.

Ivy I think that is a really good one to fast from. I will think about that one for myself. Thankyou.

 

[If Not For Grace]

I think that's a good one too. Today shall be free from worry day for me, anyone else care to join me?

 

[DIANAC]

I want to fast, but I'm not sure that I could do it. I am always hungry, and there is always food in my kitchen. I think the temptation would be too great for me. Also, when I fast, can I drink water or something? Can you please help me?

Hi,
In response to some postings where it was indicated that you can fast by not watching TV. In all instances in the Bible as you check concordance fasting means abstaining from food, only. Not watching TV, not worrying could be considered part of walking by faith, living a holy life. That of course assuming that while TV is turned off, we are NOT on the phone gossiping.
And may I ask, why you feel led to fast?
Be well,
Diana

 

[Catholic Wife]

I want to fast, but I'm not sure that I could do it. I am always hungry, and there is always food in my kitchen. I think the temptation would be too great for me. Also, when I fast, can I drink water or something? Can you please help me?

First, I believe that someone your age shouldn't be fasting until after you've discussed it with your parents and your doctor. You are still growing, and fasting (especially if you try long periods of time) can adversely affect you physically. Plus, fasting at your age could lead to an eating disorder if you're not careful.

After you've cleared it with your parents and doctor, then I would suggest you start slowly and work up to longer times and more strict fasts. Maybe begin from sunrise to sunset on a day when a potential drop in blood sugar won't affect you at school, like on a weekend.

 

[If Not For Grace]

all instances in the Bible as you check concordance fasting means abstaining from food, only.

I beg to differ.....Fasting includes sex and other items that one crucifies the flesh too. This is the purpose of fasting--food is definitely included. But there are different types of even food fasts, like a Daniel's Fast or an absolute fast.

Fasting has quite a history, check it out!!!

 

[DIANAC]

I beg to differ.....Fasting includes sex and other items that one crucifies the flesh too. This is the purpose of fasting--food is definitely included. But there are different types of even food fasts, like a Daniel's Fast or an absolute fast.

Fasting has quite a history, check it out!!!

Hello,
I was referring to how fasting is defined in the Bible, nit tradition. All Strong's words for fasting (##777, 3521, 3522,3523) have a presice meaning of abstaining from eating, food. If the Church tradition gives another meaning to fasting, that is another topic. If I want to fast, I would look at how Jesus instructed us to do, not what the tradition teaches. If I missed someting on this topic, please correct me.
Diana

 

[If Not For Grace]

I am agreeing with you--fasting and prayer are powerful tools..Jesus, did fast and it was a custom in practice before his birth a tradition to be kept, but even Jesus' disciples did not fast while He was here--The fact is that worship,(something we all need to do--) can include fasting -- (the abstaining from anything) is as you said part of our walk...

I believe we should be encouraged to fast from things like Worry, Fear and other things
AS WELL AS FOOD.

Food is the thing that most often defeats me personally--and I feel badly but the encouragement from other members to start small, and with perhaps other things has been helpful to me.

 

[DIANAC]

Hi!
I was only surprised to hear this terminology "fasting from worry". I always knew that fasting involved food.
But I do "understand" that it is possible to "fast" or to give up watching TV for a period of time. But how do you fast from worry? Can you just say to yourself: I will not worry today, and taram! you do not worry the entire day. Isn't an ability (I am sure, a wrong terminology) not to worry comes from our walk with Christ, our maturity, to be able to say "may Your will be done" and mean it?
Just an observation...
Be well,
Diana

 

[If Not For Grace]

Well its sort of like fasting from food--Ever been on a fast and walked into an office where candy or something was laying on the desk and you just popped a piece in your mouth? I have....Immediately I feel guilty which lets the enemy win for a second so then at that moment I have to say to myself forgive yourself your shortcoming and ask God as well--so I call it "Scarlet that" when it comes to worry--(GWTW) I won't think about that now, I'll think about that tomorrow and go on....It's kind of a 12-step philosophy as well. I pray the serenity prayer and turn it over. (sometimes this must be done more than once in a 24 hour period). Hope that makes sense.

 

[DIANAC]

You see, you brought up a very good point. Amazing what one can learn from CF. BTW, I shared your post at last night's Bible Study. Your point is that you fast from worries in the same manner you fast from food. If food is used not only a necessary nutrition but as a enjoyment, then worry is also an "enjoyment" that satisfies our carnal mind. yesterday someone reminded me of a "pity-parties" in that context.
I do understand what you are saying, such that you avoid worrying today, but do all the worryings tomorrow. 2 problems with that. Problem #1: You are only delaying your sinful habit (worry I assume we can call a sin, since Jesus said DO NOT WORRY) and not progressing in the way of the Lord. You are giving yourself a false sense of victory, where that is not a victory at all.
Problem #2: It is not effective. If, for example, today is your day for fasting from worries and your husband (like mine is doing today ) is going for yet another medical opinion for his cancer where all other doctors said that they do not know what to do, how how can you postpone worrying for tomorrow, if you are the worrying type?
Be well,
Diana

 

[If Not For Grace]

Perhaps, but that's where ODAT comes in--12-steppers use a philosophy called Just for Today--and we try and use it each day--what I can not give up forever I find I can give up for 1 day TODAY--then tomorrow becomes today and for today I can let go--it may be a mind game we play with ourselves but eventually we break the habit if we just endeavor to persevere. It's like the journey of a thousand miles that must begin with the first step..It works if you work it.

 

[DIANAC]

I am weary of 12-steps programs and Serenity prayers. They are man-centered endeavors and not Christ-centered. But this does not mean that when following Christ we do not to take real actual steps for which we take responsibility.
Take care,
Diana

 

[If Not For Grace]

Step One--Admitted we are powerless
Step Two--Came to Believe
Steo Three-Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.....

This is the short version-but I find GOD throughout the 12-steps--and in no way in conflict with my Southern Baptist religious views..In fact many of the people who will not come to church will come to a "support" group and it is I have heard many say it was through these groups they came to know/believein God and then were able to return to chruch. Other "unchurched" people seem more open in this atmosphere as well.
I came to Al-Anon for help I could not find in church and it has truly been a blessing-they offer support and service work as well---but to each his own.

 

[choirfiend]

Posted by a member of my ministry...

it's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The only Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God.

Except for that part in Scripture where Christ says "When you fast" not "if you fast," being rather clear that fasting is supposed to occur as part of Christian Tradition.

 

[DIANAC]

You see, 12-step program works for the belivers, since they know "the deal". For the general population, 12 step programs same as Dr. Phil are a self-help cafeteria. But you seem to have a ministry there which is very good. Regretfully, churches are not doing biblical counseling as they should. The Bible has very powerful "12 step programs".
Take care,
Diana

 

[Virgil the Roman]

Sometimes I've done a fast by not eating all day and then having just fruit in the evening.

It's really hard if you have to be in the kitchen, though.

Should I tell a silly-sounding fast I went on once?.....okay, I will I fasted from worrying--everytime I'd have a fearful or worried thought, I'd sing "What a Mighty God We Serve" either silently in my head or out loud (sometimes *real loud). ;-) That was fun.

I could try fasting from worrying, but I'd worry about that too, and break,and so i'd have to fast something else for the Lord God. Greetings, and Hello!!