Fasting
Fasting is not a way for us to impress God or manipulate Him. It is a way for us to turn from our physical appetites and recognize our greater hunger and need for God. Fasting says to God, “You are more important in my life than anything.” Fasting is a Biblical way to humble yourself before the Lord, to enable the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, and is a channel for God to send spiritual renewal in your life.
SPECIFIC FOOD, ACTIVITY OR SOCIAL MEDIA FAST
In this type of fast, you omit a specific item(s) from your meal plans. For example, you may choose to eliminate all red meat, processed or fast food, or sweets. Most people can incorporate this type of fast relatively easily. It can also prove to be a great solution for people with specific dietary needs or medical conditions that may cause certain limitations.
While fasting typically refers to refraining from specific food items, you may also find it extremely beneficial to fast from a regular activity or habit. This might include things such as television, social media, etc.
DANIEL FAST
The Daniel fast is one of the most commonly referred to fasts; however, within the Daniel Fast, there is room for broad interpretation. In the Book of Daniel, we find two different times where the prophet Daniel fasted. Daniel 1 states that he only ate vegetables and water, and in Daniel 10, is states that he ate no rich (or “choice”) foods, as well as no meat or wine. So based on these two verses, we can see that either of these, or combinations of the two, constitute a Daniel fast.
JUICE FAST
A juice fast is simply consuming vegetable and fruit juices and water instead of solid food. Many people include whey protein. Even if you choose not to make your entire fast liquids-only, substituting one or two meals for liquids is a great alternative.
WATER FAST
A water-only fast is the normal fast referred to in the Bible. This is how Jesus and the New Testament church fasted. A water fast is just that, no eating of any food or drinking of any liquids except water. Periodic water fasts can be very beneficial, but extreme precautions should be taken. For some people it is hard to perform effectively at their jobs and have energy for their families while drinking only water. We recommend consulting your physician first, and water fasting only for a day or two unless you can get away or your job allows you to really disconnect so you can give your best energy to the fast.
FASTING WHILE NURSING OR PREGNANT
Strict fasting while pregnant or nursing is also not recommended. If you are in this incredible season of life but would like to participate in a fast, modify any fasting plan to ensure you are still getting the nutrition and energy you need. Your priority is the health and the development of the baby that God has entrusted you with. Make that your guideline and go from there. Please consult your doctor.
FASTING AND EATING DISORDERS
Remember, fasting is a tool used to get closer to God, and it actually should keep us from being preoccupied with food. If your method of fasting is going to cause you to obsess about what you eat in any way, you will need to change either your approach. If giving up food is a stumbling block to you, then consider fasting television, reading (other than the Bible, of course), social media, or shopping. There are many distractions and ways that we use to stay in control that we could eliminate from our daily routine. We do these things to distract ourselves from the real issues hurting us. If you can identify such other things, maybe you can give those up instead of food.
Important Note: Fasting requires reasonable precautions. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician prior to beginning your fast, especially if you are taking any medication, have a chronic condition, or are pregnant or nursing.
