Fasting is a useful and necessary Christian activity [May 12,2021 ]

Daily Word

Fasting is a useful and necessary Christian activity
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.

Fasting is staying away from food, water and any other thing that nourishes the body.

Fasting has Christian as well as health benefits. Health-wise, it cleanses the body of toxic wastes.

Jesus says in Matthew 17:21 that:
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Meaning, there are certain demons and problems that cannot be cast out or resolved by prayer alone. It requires fasting as well.

The verse above also says fasting helps us to repent or reconcile with God after turning away from the things and ways of God.

Matthew 9:15
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.

In the verse above, it says that when the bridegroom or Jesus leaves us, it is important to fast to maintain our relationship with Him as well.
God be with you.

How can I apply the word to my life?
1. Fasting does not always mean staying away from both food and water all the time. Sometimes you stay away from solid food and eat only fruits (fruit fast). Or you can stay away from food but drink water.
2. It does not have to be 6.00 am to 6.00 pm only. You can have a half-day fast, 6.00 am to 12.00 noon. Or you can go for three days or more without food but drink water.
3. Fruit fast is normally used by people who go on very long fasts, e.g. 40 days without breaking at the end of each day.
4. The length of your fast would depend on whether you are working and fasting, or doing nothing but fasting, or having certain health issues.
5. It is very important to pray and study the word when fasting or it is a useless Christian activity.
6. You can decide to fast once a week or month.

Prayer
Lord and God of all, receive all the praise, honor, and adoration you deserve. Help me set apart time to fast and get closer to you. Amen.