Breakdown on Fasting
- Woman Heal, Inc
- Jun 5, 2024
- 5 min read
What is fasting?
Fasting, is abstaining from all foods for a period of time while spending time in God's presence. As the body of Christ, fasting should be a part of our lifestyles just as much as prayer. Genesis 2:7 says "the Lord our God formed man of the dust of the ground and then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living soul. We know that our flesh is of this world and desires to live in sin, but our spirit was given to us by God and craves the things of God." Did you know that when we fast, we are actually starving our flesh and feeding our spirit man. We are instructed to crucify our flesh with its passions and desires and follow after Christ. Fasting brings us into his presence and it is a form of worship; When you fast, unclean spirits are forced to leave. Sometimes you are praying, but there are unclean spirits are delaying you from receiving your answer.
Sometimes you received an answer, but they can cause you to self sabotage the answered prayer. There are times the Lord has directed you on which ways to go, but there are spirits bringing in confusion to make you doubt what God said to you. Matthew 17:21 states, "some unclean spirits only goes out by prayer and fasting." Fasting, is a great way to get knowledge and revelation about what is going on spiritually. This way you will know exactly what to pray about, who your enemy is, when to go in to battle and how to win the battle. In this month's newsletter, I want to explain how to fast effectively and how you will benefit with a lifestyle fasting.
How To Fast
By the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can decide what would be the appropriate amount of time for you to fast. Sometimes the Lord will tell you fast for 3 days, other times he will tell you to fast until he tells to you stop.
Spend your time in the presence of the Lord.
Focus on prayer, stay in Gods presence by communicating with him. Remember a conversation isn't one sided so as you pray take time to listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you.
Repent. Repentance is not just saying you are sorry for your sins. It's confessing your sin and also making the decision to not continue in that sin.
Worship. Sing praises and dance for our God. Remind him who he is, exalt his name, give him the glory for all that he has done and what he will do.
Warfare - Remember that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in pulling down strongholds. Put on your full armor of God as it written in Ephesians 6:10-18 and go into battle trusting that the Lord has delivered you.
Study the word of God which is your spiritual food. When you start to feel hungry, consuming the word of God will actually fill you up. It is written, man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from God's mouth.
Give to the poor, tithe, give to the church. It is written that if you have pity for the poor and lend to them, you are actually lending to God and He will repay back what you have given.
Isaiah 58-4-12
“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,And exploit all your laborers. 4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day,To make your voice heard on high.5 Is it a fast that I have chosen,A day for a man to afflict his soul?Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?Would you call this a fast,And an acceptable day to the Lord? 6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:To loose the bonds of wickedness,To undo the [b]heavy burdens,To let the oppressed go free,And that you break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,And that you bring to your house the poor who are [c]cast out;When you see the naked, that you cover him,And not hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,Your healing shall spring forth speedily,And your righteousness shall go before you;The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. | 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst,The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,10 If you extend your soul to the hungryAnd satisfy the afflicted soul,Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,And your darkness shall be as the noonday.11 The Lord will guide you continually,And satisfy your soul in drought,And strengthen your bones;You shall be like a watered garden,And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.12 Those from among youShall build the old waste places;You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,The Restorer of [f]Streets to Dwell In. |
Tips on Fasting
Prepare to fast
Keep in mind that the enemy will tempt you to eat and distract you from completing the task. When you decide to fast, don't be surprised if your mom makes your favorite dish or your friend invites you to the restaurant you have been wanting to try for months, stay focused (even Jesus Christ was tempted during his 40 day fast).
Be intentional
What are you fasting for? Do you need clarity, are you fasting for deliverance, healing or breaking a curse in the family?
Keep in mind that fasting doesn't automatically bring an answer, but it will help you war against spiritual wickedness trying to stop your prayers being answered (Daniel fasted until the angel Michael was loosed on his behalf to fight the prince of Persia, a principality that delayed the angel bringing the answer to Daniel's prayer).
Stay private
When you fast, keep it between you and God, do not boast to other people about fasting (Matthew 6:16 and when you fast, don't make it obvious as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face).
Keep your promise to God
It's better to say you'll fast for one day and do one day, then fast for 5 days and give up on the 3rd The Holy Spirit will lead you. If you do happen to break your fast, repent and try again until you succeed.
Be a good steward over your dreams
When fasting you will have a lot of dreams. Keep a pen and paper next to bed and write everything you can remember as soon as you wake up. Try to recall locations, people items, colors, clothing, setting, and what is happening in dream. You take that and bring it back Holy Spirit for interpretation. Use your bible to search certain things.
Fasting is not be confused from a consecration. If you decide to take a social media break or take a break from certain foods that is a consecration. Fasting is taking a break from all foods.
Spiritual Benefits of fasting
Dreams - For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds
Revelation and increased wisdom- Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not
Deliverance - He will break every yoke and let the oppressed go free
Answers - Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'
Starve your flesh and strengthen your spirit- man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth from God's mouth
Breaking of generational curses -You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach
Guidance -The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought
Strength - And strengthen your bones;
Healing - Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily
Fasting Benefits Physically
Promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance
Fights inflammation and reduces oxidative stress
Increases hormone growth, metabolism, weight loss, muscle growth
Promotes level of human growth hormone, which delays aging
Improves brain and heart health
Increased cell turnover, cellular repair, removes waste from cells
Better night's sleep
Kills sugar cravings
This is a feature of our February 2024 newsletter. Sign up below to join the community and receive our monthly newsletters.
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