Fasting’s Key Elements
by David Roadcup
FASTING DEFINED
As we approach fasting, we must understand its definition. Significant leaders have defined fasting in the following ways.
Richard Foster defines fasting as “the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity.” Ronnie Floyd states that fasting is “the abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind or for a spiritual purpose.” Donald Whitney gives his definition and expands the thought when he writes, “A biblical definition of fasting is a Christian’s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes. It is Christian, for fasting by a non-Christian obtains no eternal value because the Discipline’s motives and purposes are to be God-centered. It is voluntary in that fasting is not to be coerced. Fasting is more than just the ultimate crash diet for the body; it is abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.”
We also consider the biblical words which are translated as “fasting.” The Hebrew word is “tsom” (צוֹם). This word, suggests “a period of complete abstinence from food and sometimes from drink undertaken as religious as plea to God.” The Greek word “nesteia” (νηστεία) is the New Testament word for fasting. Its primary meaning was “abstinence from food or drink or both for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical purposes; the abstention may be complete or partial, lengthy, of short duration, or intermittent.”
Historically, fasting involves depriving oneself of food and drink. However, there are also additional ways to fast from things. Sacrificing things that are important and meaningful to us can provide a worthy substitution for food. Fasting from people may be called solitude. Fasting from noise, hectic activity, and the din of the world is the practice of silence. Technological devices such as our cell phones, computers, and tablets could be set aside for a specific time. We can fast from various forms of entertainment such as television, video gaming, and movies. We could fast from hurry, complaining, and expressing negative attitudes. Fasting from bitterness and unforgiveness could lead to significant emotional and spiritual healing. First Corinthians 7:4–6 tells us that married couples can agree to refrain from marital relations for a time for spiritual purposes. Paul teaches that this form of fasting should be mutually agreed upon with a start and finish time so as not to give Satan a place. In his excellent work on the Sermon on the Mount, Martin Lloyd-Jones states,
To make the matter complete, we would add that fasting, if we conceive of it truly, must not only be confined to the questions of food and drink; fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.
As we develop an overview of the biblical concept of fasting, here is what we should understand. At its root, fasting is temporarily laying aside something highly significant to us for a spiritual purpose. As you seek to learn more about fasting, consider the following characteristics of Christian fasting.
FASTING DESCRIBED
When we decide to enter into a fast, what can we expect? One should anticipate some, most, or all of the following:
Fasting and our call to fasting is initiated by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Fasting calls for a definite, proactive decision of obedience.
Fasting takes determination.
Fasting takes planning.
Fasting calls for using a “blow torch” in our calendar to give it a place.
Fasting, if married, means communicating our plans to our family.
Fasting is not easy; it’s hard, uncomfortable, sacrificial, and involves self-denial.
Fasting provides the opportunity to step out of our normal routines to gain a clearer perspective for our spiritual journey.
Fasting is a way to reboot the internal hard drive of the heart.
Fasting is one of the gateways to significant spiritual growth.
Fasting will stretch us to wonderful, new places of understanding and discernment.
Fasting is a form of worship and adoration.
Fasting involves prayer before our Father.
Fasting brings us into a world of wonder around our Father’s throne.
Fasting is spiritually, mentally, and physically restorative.
Fasting exposes Satan’s intense opposition to our desire to grow spiritually.
Fasting is normally surrounded by spiritual warfare. Plan on it.
Fasting brings power to prayer and to our ministries.
Fasting is an impactful experience, bringing blessing to us as God’s children.
Fasting sincerely before our Father brings Him pleasure.
Our hope is to convince you that this ancient practice needs to be part of every believer’s journey. We really can learn how to build this discipline into the ebb and flow of our normal schedules. By examining Scripture and the practices of saints who have gone before us, we can incorporate this ancient practice as part of our lives so that it can empower us for ministry and personal spiritual growth.
HOW TO PLAN AND EXPERIENCE A FAST
Considering these several steps will contribute to a positive, impacting time of fasting.
Step 1 – Be Aware of the Spirit’s Promptings
When you plan a fast, there may be a specific need to address, or you may feel the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord may be calling you to stand in the gap for someone or to minister to a critical need. The need may also be your own. Sense the Holy Spirit’s leading when it is time to plan a fast.
Beginning a fast, Ronnie Floyd shares, “One of the most important things to do prior to a fast is to ask God what He wants to accomplish during this intense time with Him.” Seeking the Lord about what He wants to have happen gives great direction to a successful fasting experience.
Step 2 – Make A Specific Commitment to Complete the Fast
You have decided to conduct a fast. “Drive a stake” and make the decision that you will see your fast through to completion. You will usually be tempted to break your fast early, but stay true to your decision to finalize your fast. Decide before you begin to complete this commitment to the Lord.
Step 3 – Communicate to Those Who Need to Know
Communicate to your spouse or others who would need to know your fasting plan in terms of meal preparation, schedule, etc. Showing consideration to others in your life indicates good planning and thoughtfulness.
Step 4 – Select a Specific Purpose
For what specific purpose are you planning the fast? To offer worship, to intercede for someone, for repentance, to seek the Lord’s will and direction? Be sure to directly identify the reason or reasons for which you will be fasting. Then during your fasting hours, focus in on that/those purpose(s).
Step 5 – Determine the Length of Your Fast
A good fast should always have a time frame. You can fast through one meal, two meals, a twenty-four-hour fast, or longer. For beginners, start slowly by beginning with skipping one meal. You could then increase to missing two meals or to a twenty-four hour fast. In time, move to a thirty-six hour fast and, when you are ready, to a forty-eight hour fast. Then possibly a three-day fast and on from there. There are examples in Scripture of people fasting one night, a full day, three days, seven days, fourteen days, twenty-one days, and forty days. Determining the length of your fast provides organization and clarity to the experience.
Also know this, there is never a “convenient time” to fast. There are places to be, schedules to keep, and appointments to fulfill. Satan’s minions will wage war against any and every attempt you make to meet the Lord in the fast. This is why making a decision, setting a date, and making it happen are so important.
Step 6 – Decide on the Type of Fast
Would you like to do a normal fast with no food or drink with a caloric value? Might a partial fast be best? Or do you want to do a complete fast, with no intake at all? Decide on the type of fast that best fits your present situation, circumstances, and occasion.
Step 7 – Start Your Fast with Repentance and Confession
Why not begin your fast with a serious time of seeking the Lord through repentance from sin? It could be a time of spiritual cleansing and purification. In Richard Foster’s excellent work Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, he discusses the Prayer of Examine. In the Prayer of Examine, one does a thorough “spiritual housecleaning.” Foster says:
In the examine of conscience we are inviting the Lord to search our hearts to the depths. Far from being dreadful, this is a scrutiny of love. We boldly speak the words of the Psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23–24). Without apology and without defense we ask to see what is truly in us. It is for our own sake that we ask these things. It is for our good, for our healing, for our happiness.
Let us begin our fast through the Lord’s cleansing from sin and present ourselves pure through the blood of Jesus.
Step 8 – Fill Your Heart with Scripture
During your fast, if possible, take in meaningful sections of the Word. Read chapters or entire books, if time allows. Filling your heart with the Word of God will nurture your soul and spirit. Take advantage of this important discipline as your circumstances allow. It is one of the most important parts of deepening your fasting experience.
Step 9 – Pray Fervently and Often
Prayer should be a major part of your fasting experience. This is one of the necessary elements of a fast. During a fast, we seek our Father, we spend time with Him, we engage Him, we communicate clearly and specifically with Him, we soak Him up, and we enjoy His presence. Be sure to plan as much time with the Father as possible during this sacred time.
Step 10 – Times of Solitude and Silence
It is in silence and solitude that we close out the world and the din that comes with it to focus on our Father. We connect specifically with Him heart-to-heart as much as time allows. If you are fasting during a workday, this may not be possible. But when opportunities present themselves for silence and solitude, do use these important disciplines for a very meaningful time of fellowship with our Father.
Step 11 – Know the Lord Is Pleased
Scripture tells us that we can please the Lord as His children. One of the times we know the Lord is pleased with us is when we successfully complete a fast. We have voluntarily given up or set aside something important to us to focus on Him. Like a father proud of His children, He recognizes our commitment and expression of love through our fast. “…Your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matt. 6:18).
While one of the more challenging disciplines, fasting offers us a source of closeness to our Lord and a source of power for our lives, families and ministries as leaders. I want to encourage every leader and servant to study the discipline of fasting and proceed to weave this important experience into your life and schedule.
