Bible Question:

I am very new to this idea of fasting. I have my reasons for fasting which are truly of value. I have started fasting on Sunday, but I do not know if am doing it correctly. My fast includes only one meal a day. If I am doing this wrong or if you have any advice for me, please answer my call for help.

Bible Answer:

The question “When a Christian is fasting, should they not eat food?” seems to be a silly one. But most people think that fasting just simply means not eating food. However, there is more to biblical fasting that not eating food. Therefore, we must ask the question, “When a Christian is fasting, should they not eat food?”

Before answering the question, it is important to know that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught us about biblical fasting. The studies, “Willing To Humble Yourself?” and “Biblical Fasting — What is included in fasting? How to fast? reveal what Jesus taught. It is important to understand what He said since He is our God. Now what is a biblical fast? Is the fast that God desires only not eating food?

When a Christian is fasting should they not eat food?

When a Christian is fasting, should they not eat food?

 

Christians fast for many different reasons. Fasting is practiced often at times of great stress (tragedy, death, war, sin, fear, illness) or before making a very important decision. For example, 1 Kings 21:27-29 tells us that Ahab tore his close when he heard God say, “there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD” that he fasted. But notice how he fasted with sackcloth, and the meaning of his fast.

And it came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently. Then the word of the LORD came . . . saying, “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me?” 1 Kings 21:27-29a (NASB)

He fasted when he was great distress. Also, his fasting revealed his humble attitude. Humility will mark a biblical fast.

Esther 4:16 reveals that a biblical fast can include denying oneself food and water for up to three days. But fasting involves more than going without food or water. Fasting and prayer were done together.

Fasting reflects an attitude of total dependence upon God and begging Him for help! To deny oneself that which is required to live, communicates to God that the petitioner is serious and is willing to become humble before the only one who can answer their request. Fasting is about seeking God with a humble heart. That was how King David viewed fasting,

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting; And my prayer kept returning to my bosom. Psalm 35:13 (NASB)

Ezra also viewed fasting as an act of humbling oneself before the Lord (Ezra 8:21). Listen to the words of God in Isaiah 58:5.

Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Isaiah 58:5a (NASB)

One who truly seeks God’s favor will come in humility. It is important to know that God is more interested in your heart than in what eat or do not eat. Fasting tells God that you are serious about your request of Him. You recognize that you are the beggar and God is not a genie in a magic bottle.

Conclusion:

Tell the Lord why you are fasting and rejoice that He will listen. Seek His will and thank Him for whatever answer He gives you – yes or no. May the Lord bless you.

Suggested Links:

Alms, Prayer, and Fasting
Can a person make love when fasting?
Willing To Humble Yourself?
When fasting, how often do you pray?
When we fast how often should we pray to God?
Biblical Fasting — What is included in fasting? How to fast?