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THE <E>LECTRONIC <L>IBRARY E<X>CHANGE
DENVER, COLORADO
BBS: 303-935-6323
FRUITFUL FASTING
By
Phil Scovell
==============================
This booklet is not copyrighted. It may be reproduced if such
reproduction is done in the spirit in which it was given. It may not be
reproduced and sold at any price nor may it be used in any way other than
for its intended purpose. This notice must likewise be posted with any
reproductions and the text cannot be altered in any way.
Additional copies are available upon request from THE EKKLESIA. It is
also available on computer disk in wordperfect and ASCII formats along with
a number of other articles. Braille and audio cassette versions are also
available free to anyone blind. Call toll free: 1-800-426-2466 Extension
210959.
**********
THE EKKLESIA
P.O. BOX 19454
DENVER, COLORADO 80219
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD
INTRODUCTION
THINGS TO CONSIDER.........................................................1
PART I
THE PURPOSE OF FASTING................................................2
DISCIPLINE.......................................................3
DISCERNMENT......................................................3
DELIVERANCE......................................................4
PART II
THE PRINCIPLES OF FASTING.............................................5
CONVICTION.......................................................5
COMMITMENT.......................................................5
COMMUNION........................................................6
PART III
THE PRACTICE OF FASTING...............................................7
PERSONAL.........................................................7
POSITIVE.........................................................8
PRUDENCE.........................................................8
PART IV
THE POWER OF FASTING..................................................8
WORD.............................................................8
WITNESS..........................................................9
WORSHIP..........................................................9
PART V
THE PROMISES OF FASTING..............................................10
REWARD..........................................................10
RECOGNITION.....................................................10
RELATIONSHIP....................................................10
PART VI
THE PRODUCT OF FASTING...............................................10
OBEDIENCE.......................................................11
ONENESS.........................................................11
OPPORTUNITY.....................................................11
TECHNIQUES................................................................11
CONCLUSION................................................................12
FORWARD
Often I have heard confessed by those who have fasted for prolonged
periods of time "There's nothing to it. After the first two or three days,
hunger isn't
even a problem." It has never been true for me. I have never enjoyed
fasting nor found it easy. As I write this, I am concluding the last two
days of my second twenty-one day fast in less than sixteen months. I find
the last two days just as discomforting and difficult as the first. "Then
why do it?" As you will see, there are spiritual benefits to be gain by
fasting in the proper way. "Easy?" No! "Fun?" Nope! "Convenient?" Are
you kidding? "Worth it?" Yes and amen! "Should I do it?" I trust the
balance of this booklet will answer that question for you. If you plan to
fast, be sure to bear spiritual fruit by following God's Word.
Complete In Him
Phil Scovell
Denver, Colorado
January 1989
FRUITFUL FASTING
INTRODUCTION
Over the years I have fasted on numerous occasions for various
reasons; but I never liked it. When the Holy Spirit, therefore, began
urging me to consider a twenty-one day fast, I quickly dismissed the idea
as fleshly. I fasted once, as a young preacher, for ten days; but that was
many pounds and years ago and the results had been negligible. How could I
now successfully fast for twenty-one days? After more than three months of
deliberation, I was convinced that it was truly the leading of the Holy
Spirit and thus submitted myself to the leading of the Lord and prepared to
favor God for twenty-one days without food.
Picking up the telephone, I called two friends in the ministry, and
requested prayer. I had three major problems: First, "Was this really of
God?" Until being filled with the Spirit in August 1982, I had lived my
Christian life primarily by rule and regulation. I did not now wish to be
fooled by my flesh for the purpose of self-glory.
Secondly, my attitude was poor. I had always fasted before to obtain
greater spirituality; thus to be more acceptable to God. Additionally, I
had always needed something from God and fasting seemed to be a good arm-
twisting exercise to get God's attention.
Thirdly, "Could I do it?" I had many good reasons why I could not
successfully negotiate, spiritually or physically, a twenty-one day
fast. I had failed many times before at fasting; setting a one or two day
goal and never achieving even the first few hours without diving into a bag
of potato chips and fishing a burrito out of the freezer to toss into the
microwave. Plus, I was over weight! In fact, I was more than sixty pounds
over weight! Surely God could not, would not, place my life in jeopardy by
asking me to fast.
To complicate matters, there seemed to be no real reason for the fast.
Sure! I had lots of personal needs worthy of God's consideration, in fact,
I was facing some of the most spiritually difficult times of my entire
Christian life. Somehow, though, my problems did not seem related to the
fast. Then, of course, there was the most prominent, certainly the most
legitimate, reason why I should be excused from this fast; "I did not want
to do it!" All of these concerns I shared with my brethren and less than a
week later, I began my fast.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
There are some important things to think about before you begin a fast
of any length: For what are you fasting and why? How long will you fast;
Until you receive an answer? What would be your attitude toward God if,
after the fast, your prayers are still unanswered? What happens if you
break your fast prematurely? Do not even consider a lengthy fast until you
are certain of the answers to these questions.
For most Christians, fasting is like the dedicated swimmer who runs
out to the swimming pool and leaps in without ever first testing the
temperature of the water. In many cases, without proper spiritual
preparation, you may discover the pool has been drained for cleaning.
PART I
THE PURPOSE OF FASTING
Like most, I generally fasted for all of the wrong reasons. I either
wanted to be more spiritual or I was in desperate need of a miracle from
God. I even secretly hoped I could testify, brag, some day of my great
accomplishments for God through fasting. Fasting, without Scriptural
knowledge of its true nature and purpose, is nothing more than a glorified
diet; and a mighty poor one at that.
DISCIPLINE
Fasting has been an ancient form of discipline common to all religions
since the world began. It is generally practiced by Christians and
nonchristians alike for the same reason: To bring the physical body into
the spiritual subjection of the human spirit. For the Christian, however,
the human spirit has been regenerated, (recreated), and made compatible with
the nature of God and has been given the Holy Spirit to dwell within this
newly created human spirit as an administrator of the nature and power of
God. (See Tit. 3:5-6).
Jesus was questioned in Mark 2:18-20 by those who were concerned that
the disciples of John and the Pharisees fasted while the disciples Of Jesus
seemed to ignore the practice. Jesus replied to these inquiries that there
was no need for His disciples to fast because He, the Bridegroom, was still
with them. When He was departed, then they should fast. Thus, Jesus taught
that fasting was for His disciples and was to be practiced as a discipline
until His return.
The Old and New Testament terms for "fasting" are simply translated
(without food). Fasting, therefore, is going without food as a form of
physical discipline in light of the Lord's return. It is a discipline of
love for the Lord and a desire of His fellowship and for the purpose of
spiritual edification. It is a physical expression of a spiritual desire.
Jesus also taught on what our attitude should be when we fast in
Matthew 6:16-18:
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.
Until this instruction was given by our Lord, fasting was harsh and
dramatic with the wearing of sackcloth, going unbathed and unshaven for
days, and lying in beds of ashes. Jesus taught that we should fast with
dignity. It is to be both personal and private and practiced without
public recognition.
DISCERNMENT
Scriptural evidence for the purpose of fasting seems to be mainly for
discernment and spiritual insight as well as direction from God. This was
certainly the case with Daniel upon concluding his twenty-one day fast
recorded in the tenth chapter of the book of Daniel. The angel of the Lord
which appeared to Daniel was an answer to his prayer because he, Daniel, had
"Chastened" himself before the Lord; (Dan. 10:12). Moses, on two occasions,
stood before the Lord for forty days without food as he received the ten
commandments as well as other related instructions concerning the governing
of the children of Israel.Esther likewise fasted for wisdom and guidance to
prepare the way to go before the king to request her people be spared.
Clearly, therefore, fasting is used in Scripture by those seeking spiritual
discernment in matters of grave importance.
DELIVERANCE
Daniel was informed by the angel that he had been dispatched as soon
as Daniel had begun to pray. The angel confessed, however, that he had
been inhibited for three weeks by Satanic forces. He finally received
assistance from Michael, a chief archangel, (Dan. 10:13), which then made
it possible for him to gain victory and thus to appear before Daniel.
Jesus also fasted for forty days and nights and was tempted of the
Devil in the wilderness according to Matthew 4:1-11. So severe was the
Lord's spiritual conflict with Satan that angels from Heaven were sent to
minister to Him following the fast.
Another indication of spiritual activity in the supernatural realm as a
result of fasting is found in Matthew 17:14-21. A demon possessed child
was brought before the Lord for deliverance. The Lord's disciples had
already tried to cast the demon out earlier but had failed. They
questioned the Lord afterward as to the reason why they were unable to do
so. Jesus responded that they could have done so if they had only believed
but He added, however, that "this kind goeth not out but by prayer and
fasting."
From these three examples, it should be evident that fasting, for some
unknown reason, has a definite effect in the spirit realm. Ephesians 6:10-
18 also confirms spiritual warfare occurs when we pray. Thus as Christians,
when we fast, we need not only to be aware of the spiritual activity which
takes place but we also need to be spiritually prepared. There should be
little doubt that Daniel's fast somehow made spiritual forces come into play
for his benefit as he sought the truth concerning his people. Would the
same results have been possible without his fast? It is unlikely. Some
demons are likewise unable to be cast out without the aid of prayer and
fasting together. Fasting therefore is a tool; which, when associated with
prayer, will place one into the supernatural realm with power and authority.
Fasting must therefore be considered serious business and should not be
practiced without prayerful consideration and the knowledge of Scripture.
We should never forget that our Lord, when tempted by the Devil for forty
days, always answered with God's Word. Satan was even commanded by our Lord
to "Depart" by the authority of God's Word. Thus, know the word if you plan
to fast.
PART II
THE PRINCIPLES OF FASTING
The principles of fasting are not physical in nature. It is not the
number of days chosen to abstain from food nor whether one decides to drink
water or not. The principles, rules, are spiritual and thus Scripturally
discerned.
CONVICTION
A conviction is a belief. More literally, it is what you believe.
Jesus said, when questioned by His disciples about their inability to cast
the demon out of the child, it was because of their "unbelief,"( Matt.
17:20). They simply did not believe. What do you believe about fasting and
what do you believe will happen when you fast? If you are uncertain, do not
consider fasting.
A Biblical conviction is something to be lived by. It is that which
is decided upon because it has been Scripturally proven. This is when the
knowledge of God's Word plays an important part. Without knowing the Word of
God, convictions are not possible. The promises of God's Word are given
that we might be established even in our daily life: (II Peter 1:3-4). If
His promises are unfamiliar to you, fasting will be harsh and unproductive.
If you feel unprepared to fast because of a lack of familiarity with
Scriptural promises, refer to my little booklet entitled:
"God's Three Steps To Answered Prayer." I have written this booklet with an
easy-look-up format which allows the reader to choose by subject the
various promises needed when petitioning God. Biblical convictions can
only be settled upon through the knowledge of God's Word and you must
believe God before attempting a fast.
One further note on the subject of Bible convictions. There is a
difference between a personal practice, something done as a routine for
personal benefit, and a Bible conviction. The difference is fruit. A
Bible conviction, when lived by faithfully, will always produce spiritual
fruit. A practice, on the other hand, may be beneficent; but does not
necessarily produce spiritual fruit.
COMMITMENT
After establishing Scriptural beliefs, (convictions to live by), it is
necessary to make a commitment. Many Christians confess their belief in the
Bible as God's Word but few are truly committed to their beliefs. A
commitment is a promise or an agreement. Such words have little meaning in
today's society but once they carried authority and absolutism. A marriage,
for example, is a commitment; but one out of every two marriages in America
ends in divorce. So much for commitment! What is a Bible commitment?
While preaching in Montana a number of years ago, I stayed with one of
the ranchers in the church for several days. One day he brought out some
rattle snake tails and dropped them in my hand. He confessed that the thing
he hated the most about ranching was mending fences. He calculated that he
had over twenty miles of fence around his land.
"I hate snakes!" he confessed. "That's why I don't like to mend fence
and it always seems like the fence is down somewhere."
He continued by telling me that it was necessary to dismount his horse,
wade down into the thick brush, strip a small tree to be cut down for the
fence post, and then attach the fallen fence.
"You can't see the snakes in the tall brush," he said with a frown, "and I
guess that's what I fear the most. Somebody has to do it and at least I've
never been bitten; thanks to those little rattles," he concluded pointing
to the rattles in my hand.
Years later I recalled this conversation and realized that this was an
illustration for commitment. The Christian life has Scriptural boundaries.
The commitment we make to God, on the authority of His Word, is the
Christian's fence. I have had many people confess to me,
"I would come to God but I just don't think I could be committed."
If they are Christians they confess,
"I just wish I could live a committed life to Christ."
You become a committed Christian by putting up the Scriptural fence; thus
saying, "I won't cross over and nothing will be allow in." What happens if
the fence falls down? You just put it back up again.
"But I'm afraid of the Devil?"
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the
works of the devil." (I John 3:8). Your fence is going to fall but we have
the responsibility of restoring that commitment made when we confessed Jesus
Christ as Lord. Without such commitment, beliefs, (conviction), is only
head knowledge. James taught that faith without works was dead, (See Jam.
2:14-26). Agree with God before you fast concerning both your petition and
your faith in Him regardless of the outcome.
COMMUNION
After the disciples failure to cast the demon out of the young child,
Jesus instructed them that it had been a result of their unbelief, that is,
a lack of commitment to His Word, but added that prayer and fasting were
often necessary in certain cases.Although prayer takes on many forms, Jesus
was referring to prayers of petition in this case. Prayer, or communing
with God, is the sharing of mutual interests intimately. How intimate are
your prayers? Fasting will not necessarily improve spiritual intimacy
alone; but it will cause us to focus on God as the one who hears and answers
our prayers. Fasting becomes counter productive if we focus on the problem
rather than The Provider. If you find yourself focusing on the problem as
you fast, be quick to discipline yourself to return your thoughts to God's
Word and His promises. In another words, be committed to an attitude of
"Thus saith the Lord."
I often find it more difficult to pray during a fast. The fast itself
actually becomes a distraction and my mind just does not focus on the
spiritual as well. If you experience the same when fasting, do not become
alarmed or feel as though you are not doing your job.
"And He that searcheth the hearts knows what is the mind of the
Spirit," (Rom. 8:27).
Fortunately there are multiple forms of prayer. Even are thoughts, as we
meditate, are prayers to God. You are not necessarily fasting to
facilitate more time for prayer but rather to demonstrate commitment and
discipline. Learn to pray before you fast or learn to pray as you fast.
PART III
THE PRACTICE OF FASTING
The practice, or regulation, of fasting is simple: Abstain from food
and pray. Fasting is a practice which we exercise in order to execute
discipline. Our attitude toward fasting should never be "Practice makes
perfect," but rather one of spiritual conformity to God's perfect will.
PERSONAL
Our relationship with God is uniquely personal. Although we learn and
receive from others, we are individually responsible for our relationship
with God. Fasting is an individually exercised discipline. We may fast
collectively with a common cause and thus amplify the spiritual agreement
factor in prayer; but fasting is singular in nature.
It should, if conducted Scripturally, sharpen our personal awareness of
the dimensions of God. The fast displays our willingness to become
personally involved to the extreme of going without food. It allows us to
again focus on God and not the problem and thus shows our willingness to be
totally dependant upon God.
Fasting also unveils spiritual authority and you will find it
necessary to exercise such authority repeatedly during any fast. The
unholy and unseen forces which seek to oppose us will do so relentlessly
during a fast because we have entered the supernatural realm with a
specific cause. Maintain your Biblical authority throughout the fast.
Perhaps the most beneficent factor, certainly the most personal, of
fasting is the spiritual intimacy it brings. Abstaining from food displays
our spiritual desires to harmonize with God's perfect will, thus, it will
afford us spiritual depth and intimacy with our Lord. This may not be
experienced during the fast itself, but if you remain faithful, it will
occur. Keep in mind, however, that the Devil will war against any such
spiritual intimacy; thus the absolute necessity for Scriptural familiarity.
POSITIVE
Most of us have experienced the negatives of fasting but it is to be a
positive experience in our lives. The physical hunger, the lack of answers
to prayer, and the spiritual frustration often experienced during a fast,
all circumscribe any positive effects for most of us. It is, however, to be
something spiritually positive. Jesus said we were to fast until the
Bridegroom cometh. That is a positive statement because it reminds us of
the return of our Lord. A fast should be conducted in light of such
revelation. Additionally, our Lord implied that if His disciples would
first believe and then fast and pray, the demon would be cast out. That
likewise is a positive promise. Confidence can and should be experienced
during a fast from the awareness of these promises. God has likewise
promised to hear and answer our prayers repeatedly in His Word. If fasting
becomes negative, we are not listening to His Word.
PRUDENCE
It can be unwise to fast without definite direction from the
Holy Spirit. In the case of my twenty-one day fast, I was encouraged by
the Holy Spirit for a number of weeks before beginning my fast. If you
choose to fast for a day or more without any such spiritual direction you
would, of course, certainly be Scriptural in doing so. We need to finish
what we start, however. Whether self-determined or holy Spirit led, never
fast without commitment to the end; unless, of course, you receive some
definite spiritual indication during the fast to end prematurely. Be
prudent and exhibit faith.
PART IV
THE POWER OF FASTING
Fasting reveals and releases power. when we begin to fast and pray,
we suddenly step into the supernatural world where Satan exercises dominion
and has for millennia. It should not be surprising, therefore, that we
would experience discouragement and often defeat when we begin a fast. At
the same time, however, the power of God becomes prodigious and angelic
forces activated accordingly. We need to be keenly aware of both God's
power and the Devil's when we fast.
WORD
Carefully examine the account of our Lord's forty day fast recorded in
Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are yet without
sin: (Heb. 4:15). During the fast, Satan assaulted our Lord by challenging
His identity as the Son of God, the ability of God's Word to protect Him
from harm, and His authority in this world. In each case Jesus responded
with Scripture that is, with God's eternal Word. As we fast, we likewise
will be challenged in similar areas of doctrine. "Are you really a child of
God? Who gives you the right? What authority do you have?" Many
Christians become discouraged during a fast because they have thought such
things. We generally fail at fasting because of a lack of Biblical
knowledge.
I think it important to mention at this point that a lack of Biblical
knowledge should not keep you from going ahead with a fast; especially if
you feel led to do so. You may even consider a fast for the exact purpose
of learning more from God through His Word and the ministry of the
Holy Spirit. In such a case, however, consider a short fast and remember;
discernment is certainly a key factor in any fast. Rely upon the
Holy Spirit for the Scriptural guidance you need both before, during, and
after any fast.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you
into all truth: And He shall not speak of Himself; but
whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: And He will show
you things to come. (John 16:13).
WITNESS
The discipline of fasting testifies of our identity with Christ. The
Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God:
(Rom. 8:16). As we fast, we bear witness of this identity. As I
mentioned, Satan will challenge us in this area. Our power in fasting lies
in our witness. This is why Jesus said that prayer and fasting often go
together. Satan will, without question, attempt to break down our witness
as the sons and daughters of God during a time of fasting and prayer.
Prayer is needed to quench this fiery dart: (Eph. 6:11-18). If we will
learn to pray in the Spirit during our fast, Romans 8:26-27 promises that
the Holy Spirit will "make intercession for us." The Holy Spirit is the
great Witness of God in our behalf and such power is released in the form of
authority in the spiritual realm as we fast and pray.
WORSHIP
According to Matthew's account of our Lord's forty day fast, Satan
attempted to get our Lord to worship him. Fasting is a definite act of
one's will to focus on God; thus, it is a form of worship or (oneness with
God). Jesus responded to this attack in Matthew 4:10 by commanding Satan to
depart for only God allow, Jesus confessed, is worthy to be worshipped.
Thus, acknowledge God during your fast and worship Him. In this way you
will be resisting the Devil and drawing nigh to God; (Jam. 4:7). Spiritual
power is thus released. Exercise discipline by perpetually acknowledging
God and His power and worthiness to be praised and worshipped. Ignore
Satan, minimize your problems, and worship God over circumstances.
PART V
THE PROMISES OF FASTING
For the Christian, fellowship with God is confirmed by His promises.
Beyond salvation, we are promised eternal life, spiritual liberty, answers
to prayers, grace, righteousness, Heaven, and the Holy Spirit; just to name
a few. Fasting has promises as well.
REWARD
Jesus confirmed reward for those who fast: "And thy Father which
seeth in secret shall reward thee openly," (Matt. 6:18). The two words
"reward" and "openly" are translated (given) and (publicly). The same word
for "reward" is also translated as (perform, repay, restore), and (yield)
elsewhere in the New Testament. It is often used when concerning the
payment of money owed. "Openly" on the other hand, is also rendered (known,
manifest), and (outwardly). Its root means (luminous) and comes from our
English word (phosphorescence). From these two words, therefore, Jesus
revealed fasting will perform for the Christian in the natural realm what
has been accomplished in the spiritual realm. Thus, it becomes
luminous - visible.
RECOGNITION
Perhaps less obvious, but certainly as forceful in its revelation, is
the awareness that our fasting and prayers are recognized by the
Holy Father: "And thy Father which seeth in secret." Fasting takes us
directly into the supernatural realm where all prayers are spiritually
conceived. It is in this place of unseen power that God looks for our
petitions; "seeth in secret." In my opinion, fasting amplifies this
recognition because it is a physical manifestation of a spiritual desire.
"And if we know that He heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of Him," (I John 5:15).
RELATIONSHIP
The Heavenly Father desires to honor our prayers and fastings because
we have an established relationship with Him through His Son. Jesus
confirmed this by saying, "And thy Father which seeth in secret." God is
our Father by spiritual birth. Fasting therefore is done out of love; and
our father responds to our prayers and fastings out of love for His own.
PART VI
THE PRODUCT OF FASTING
The test of any Biblical principle, Scriptural practice, or spiritual
conviction is its fruitfulness. Fasting is not a doctrine but is a
Scriptural principle thus it is available for the producing of spiritual
fruit in the Christian life.
OBEDIENCE
Fasting is an act of obedience just as prayer, giving, and praise are.
Any time we acknowledge God's Word through agreement, either in word or
deed, we demonstrate obedience. Obedience is the quickest way of getting
God's attention. Fasting gives evidence to Biblical obedience.
ONENESS
Since Jesus instructed that prayer and fasting go together in certain
cases of spiritual discipline, we can experience a more intimate
relationship with the Father through fasting. Often, however, the intimacy
will not be appreciated until the fast is over; and even then it may be some
time before such spiritual intimacy is personally discerned.
Spiritual intimacy occurs through worship. During a fast, you may
discover it is easier to worship than to pray because concentration often
becomes more difficult when the body is refused nourishment. Worshipping
God opens the door for spiritual intimacy and personal awareness of the
holiness of God. In another words, we simply become more aware of our
oneness with God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in prayer.
OPPORTUNITY
We have already noted Daniel's opportunity when he fasted for twenty-
one days. The angel confirmed that he had been sent to Daniel the moment he
began his petition but Satan hindered him for three weeks. Jesus also
informed His disciples upon their failure to cast the demon out of the young
child; that prayer and fasting was needed in that particular case for
success. These two examples prove opportunity is created by prayer and
fasting which may not otherwise be available. We should learn from
Scripture that fasting produces spiritual opportunity.
TECHNIQUES
When I fast, I always drink natural fruit juices. Some disagree with
my methods and feel the only way to fast is without food of any kind; water
being the only form of liquid intake. I have tried fasting that way and
find it nearly impossible for me personally. It reduces my ability to
concentrate so severely that I find it difficult to function normally in
daily responsibilities; So I drink fruit juices. If you plan to drink only
water, I recommend that you use distilled water because it causes less
stomach irritation and will minimize hunger.
After the first week of my twenty-one day fast, I stopped drinking
coffee because of the bitterness and its stimulus effect. After the second
week I gave up tea, hot or cold, and by the end of the third week, I was
even finding it difficult to drink the fruit juices. I drank them,
however, only to avoid dizziness.
If some day you feel led to fast for a number of days, be careful how
you resume eating when your fast is concluded. Long fasts should be
broken gradually. I suggest you eat nothing the first couple of days
following the long fast. Drink soup broth and if you have gone for days
with nothing but water, begin drinking diluted fruit juices before
attempting any solid foods. After a couple of days of being off your fast,
you may try eating small portions of chicken and rice mixed with your soup
broth. By the third day you should be able to eat a light meal, depending
on how many days you have gone foodless, and within the week, you should be
able to return to normal eating habits. Most foods tasted different for
several days after I broke my three week fast. I might also add that I did
not follow my own advice concerning returning to a normal diet slowly and I
paid dearly for my mistake.
There is one additional word of caution. If you fast for a prolonged
period of time, although this could occur even in a short fast, you may
experience depression immediately following your fast; or even during the
fast. It could even be acute. I anticipated such could be the case at the
end of my three weeks and found it necessary to request special prayer. If
you feel led to fast for several days, be sure others have been informed of
your intentions so that you will have them praying with you and for you
during the fast. The next couple of days following my fast were very
difficult and my wife prayed with me concerning my depression. Depression
is when demonic forces accuse us in the spiritual realm; thus the need for
other Christian friends to be aware of your fast. As has been seen, things
begin to happen in the spiritual realm when we pray and fast. Be careful
and know how to pray if you plan to fast.
CONCLUSION
Fasting never seems to be easy for me although I have heard some
insist there is nothing to it. Fasting for three weeks was the most
spiritually difficult thing I have ever experienced. I know it would not
have been possible for me without the direct leadership of the HOly Spirit
in my life. Although I have not fasted often since my three week fast, I
do now somehow feel more sensitive to God's direction in the matter. I
doubt it would take the Holy Spirit as long to convince me of His leading in
this area since I yielded before. I personally believe that this type of
an attitude is the real secret to a successful fast and recommend you
consider carefully God's will before ever engaging in a long fast. It is
not just for the spiritually strong but for those who love God and desire
to serve Him even if it means going without food for a period of time.
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
THE EKKLESIA
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