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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? | Neh 1:4 | Makarios | 24886 | ||
What is the spiritual significance of fasting? How often do Christians fast? What role does fasting play in a Christian's spiritual walk? | ||||||
2 | Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? | Neh 1:4 | Mommapbs | 24888 | ||
Hi Nolan: I have fasted only a couple of times - it was for the specific purpose of focusing upon the Lord in my distress. To me, a fast is a way to concentrate solely upon the Lord's sufficiency; it heightens my awareness of my absolute need of Him. I personally feel that it is a private matter between the believer and the Lord. (Mt.6:16-18) I looked at scriptures on fasting using the search function and most fasting seems to be a response of a humble and repentant heart. In instances where I have chosen to fast, there was a HUGE degree of grief associated with it - mourning for loss, weeping over sin that separates, etc. In one instance, God honored my request, but that was not the most siginificant thing about the experience of the fast. He met me in the pit of despair and raised my head above the level of my tears; showered me with His tender love and mercy. God has been so faithful to "lift me up!" The church I attend called upon the people to fast for a specific request before the Lord. So, people fasted and prayed, and God said, "No." I suspect that many became disillusioned and disappointed. I believe that without Godly wisdom and instruction, a fast should never called for as otherwize it could be seen as a "mantra" or a talisman to "get our own way." (I am not suggesting that this would ever be your interpretation!) I am glad that you asked the question for it will be interesting to read how others approach this subject. |
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3 | Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? | Neh 1:4 | Makarios | 24894 | ||
Greetings Mommapbs! Thank you for responding! :-) You have provided me with some very good insight as far as what happens during fasting- like grief or mourning for loss, and the reasons for fasting in the first place.. Fasting is different from prayer, which is direct communication with God. But at the same time, fasting is not a "complete prohibition" from something.. So, on the outward, could it be described as a "limited prohibition"? When one fasts, I come to the reasoning that: 1) A person is beginning to fast for a reason.. 2) Concentration upon God intensifies through prayer and/or studying Scripture.. 3) There is a "resolution" or "coming to terms" during fasting.. 4) Fasting is concluded with a "new resolve".. If this is so, then how does one come to a 'resolution' during fasting? I have never fasted for more than 15 hours straight.. And I must admit that I haven't learned much about the 'actual experience' of fasting. Here are some examples that I found that helped me to construct the '4 level fast' above: fasting for freedom from addiction (Matt. 17:20,21), fasting to solve problems (Ezra 8:21-23), fasting to bring people to the Lord (1 Sam. 7:1-8), fasting to break crippling fears and other mental problems (1 Kings 19:2-18), fasting to provide for the needy (1 Kings 17:12), fasting for insight and decision making (Acts 9:9-19), fasting for health and physical healing (Dan. 1:12-20), fasting for an influential testimony (Matt. 3:4; Luke 1:15), and fasting for protection from Satan (Esther 4:16). In each of these examples, it seems that there was a specific reason for a fast that in turn led to a deeper devotion, which led to a resolution, and then to a new resolve.. Does anyone else have any thoughts on fasting? Thank you! |
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4 | Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? | Neh 1:4 | Mommapbs | 24919 | ||
Great scriptures and observations! Thanks Nolan! You asked,"How does one come to a 'resolution' during fasting?" I believe that God brings the resolution to you. Could your experience with fasting be perhaps more experimental than intentional? Forgive me if that query causes you a little upset. You write,"I have never fasted for more than 15 hours straight.." First of all, fasting is not about a length of time. I'm wondering, what caused you to stop? Either God showed up and there was resolution, (therefore the fast is concluded) or you decided not to wait for Him. . . By your own admission (you) "haven't learned much about the 'actual experience' of fasting." Don't deny yourself this great privilege! When you purpose in your heart to fast before the Lord-this can be structured in a myriad of ways-let Him guide you! Ephesians 5:10 encourages us to "Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." Blessings to you! |
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5 | Role of fasting in a Christian's walk? | Neh 1:4 | Makarios | 24927 | ||
Greetings again Mommapbs! Thats Ok! Your question does not bother me at all, my friend! When I fasted for 15 hours, I was in the company of some fellow saints in my church, and we prayed for a "cleansing of the church" while we fasted; that the Lord would remove the stain of sin in our church. But even though I underwent fasting, I used the time to study Scripture and came to the "resolution" that we had done our part by praying and bringing it to God's attention, and that God would do all of the rest.. As it turned out, the people eventually repented of their sins and the church has become much closer because of the acknowledgment and repentance of sin. However, I have never taken the notion of fasting "lightly", and I have never focused on the length of time that I had fasted. I just knew how long it was that we were there because someone had reminded me.. I do not believe that my experience was at all 'experimental' in any way, and I have not denied myself the privilege of fasting, even though I confess that I have not fasted consistently or nearly as often enough as might be expected.. But thank you anyway for your support! Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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