DANIEL FAST RESOURCES
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FAST AS A CHURCH?
ONE: WHY ARE WE FASTING?
Fasting is not just about food, it’s about focus. Fasting is a spiritual discipline designed to connect us more deeply with God. It involves giving up something physical (ie: comfort food) for the sake of something Spiritual (ie: a fresh filling of God’s Spirit). It’ll help your congregation grow closer to God and each other.
TWO: FASTING IS AN EXPECTATION.
Fasting is not some exclusive right of passage for the devout, rather, it’s a way of life for all disciples — you included. In Matthew 16, Jesus kicks off his statement with a simple phrase. He begins, “When you fast…” He didn’t say “If you fast…” Rather, He said, “WHEN you fast.” According to Jesus, fasting is an expectation. It’s a central part of our Christian lifestyle. It’s just something that Christians do — not something he has to convince them to do.
THREE: FASTING HELPS US PURIFY OURSELVES.
In the first chapter of Daniel, Daniel is offered food that is completely contrary to the kosher commandments in Jewish Scripture. Thus, he politely asked to not partake. Daniel 1:9 elaborates, “Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.” You will probably never be offered unclean food that was blessed by a Babylonian goddess. However, culture is constantly trying to trick you into Babylonian behavior. Culture is constantly encouraging you to “defile yourself” with addictive substances, the pursuit of prosperity, selfish ambitions, and, ultimately, finding purpose in all the wrong places. Make the same choice as Daniel. Don’t defile yourself with culture’s confections. Swim against the cultural current. Respectfully reject anything that can come between you and God.
FOUR: FASTING FIXES OUR FOCUS
Fasting is powerful because it fixes our focus. Why? Fasting tells God you’re serious about your prayer. Prayer is the petroleum behind your fast — let it fuel your fast. Without prayer, fasting is just a fad diet. Pray with expectation as you fast. God’s deliverance may be on the other side of your dedication.
FIVE: FASTING BRINGS FULFILLMENT
Fasting is all about replacing our physical hunger with spiritual hunger. There is a powerful passage that speaks to the outcome of spiritual hunger. No, it’s not hanger. Rather, it’s happiness. In Matthew 6:5, Jesus teaches, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” When you hunger after righteousness, you will be filled and fulfilled.